Note: the following post has been updated to reflect cancellations and postponements related to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Spring already?! Like the seasons, which inexorably change with each quarter-revolution of the planet, the roundup of the 10 must-see Philly bluegrass and acoustic roots shows arrives in your inbox.
Seems like everybody’s talking about voting these days, so we figured we’d get in on the action with a little poll of our own. Which show tops your list for this spring? Scroll down to the bottom of the article and take our poll. (Don’t forget to watch some videos on your way down.)
See you out there in the crowd!
March 5: The Lil Smokies at Boot & Saddle
The Lil Smokies return to Boot & Saddle after visiting the Fillmore Philly on their last visit to town. Texas’ Quaker City Night Hawks open. Advance tickets $18.
March 6: Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen at The Locks at Sona
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen must have had a good time at The Locks in November for them to be back so soon. Philly’s own Mark Schultz & The Wayne Rangers open. GA tickets $15. (Cabaret seating sold out as of this writing.)
March 12: The Gibson Brothers at Sellersville Theater
The Gibson Brothers kick off their spring and summer 2020 tour here in Pennsylvania at the beloved Sellersville Theater on Thursday, March 12. Tickets $30-40.
March 26: Lost Dog Street Band at Underground Arts
Postponed. Date TBD.
Formed in 2010, Lost Dog Street Band released their fifth studio album, “Weight Of A Trigger,” in 2019. The band stops in Philadelphia a dozen shows into their spring northeast U.S. tour. Tickets $18.
April 5: Dirty Grass Players and Fireside Collective at The Locks at Sona
Postponed to October 25.
These two up-and-coming bands team up for a co-bill show at The Locks at Sona, quickly establishing itself as a top area bluegrass venue. Tickets $12.
April 10: Billy Strings at The Fillmore Philly
Postponed to December 10.
It’s been quite a year for Billy Strings. A debut record for Rounder Records, two International Bluegrass Music Association awards, and a number one spot on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart. Like much of Strings’ 2020 tour, his Philadelphia stop is already sold out, but you can try your luck at snagging face value tickets at CashorTrade.org.
April 11: Mipso at Arden Gild Hall
Cancelled.
Mipso comes to town fresh off the release of a new EP that features remixes of five songs from the band’s “Edges Run” LP. If you haven’t experienced Wilmington’s intimate Arden Gild Hall, now’s the time. With special guest Taylor Ashton. Tickets $15.
April 15: Kitchen Dwellers at City Winery Philly
Cancelled.
This Tax Day, Montana’s Kitchen Dwellers make their debut at one of Philly’s newest venues, The Loft at City Winery. Locals The Cheddar Boys open. Tickets $16.
April 28: Willie Watson at Ardmore Music Hall
Postponed and moved to The Locks at Sona on October 27.
Willie Watson hits the road this spring for a month-long U.S. tour. He’ll make two stops in Pennsylvania—at Pittsburgh’s Club Cafe and here in the Philadelphia area at Ardmore Music Hall. Tickets $20-$35.
April 28: Steep Canyon Rangers at Sellersville Theater
Postponed. Date TBD.
Steep Canyon Rangers notched a #1 slot on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart in 2019 with their live album, “North Carolina Songbook.” The album shows off their range of inspirations, with compositions ranging from James Taylor to Thelonious Monk. Tickets $49.50-$75
Philly Bluegrass 