Wintergrass 2026 Performers – Mike Block & Biriba Union

Borrowing its name from a Brazilian wild sugar-apple, Biribá Union features Mike Block (cello, vocals), Christylez Bacon (beatbox, guitar, rhymes) and Claire Davis (electric bass, vocals). The trio met through Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop, initially bonding over their shared love of Brazilian music. They quickly began co-writing new music that draws on the freestyle theatrics of hip-hop and Go-go music; the effortless beauty of Brazilian forró and choro; the earthiness of American roots music, and the improvisational spontaneity of jazz.

Mike Block is a Grammy Award-winning cellist, singer and composer with a passion for cross-cultural collaboration. Hailed as “one of the bravest, most intriguing musicians on the American fusion scene,” (Gramophone) he has been a member of the Silkroad Ensemble for nearly twenty years, and directs Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop. Yo-Yo Ma calls Block “the ideal musician for the 21st century,” saying, “I’m always struck by his unique perspective on the world and his relaxed and confident approach; he takes on new music and new things fearlessly.”

Christylez Bacon is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, storyteller, rapper, beat-boxer and guitarist from southeast Washington, DC. With a tall antenna and wide curiosity, Bacon loves exploring music in different cultural contexts and has collaborated with Hindustani, Arabic and Brazilian musicians. He was the first hip-hop artist to be featured at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and has composed for and performed with the National Symphony Orchestra and Princeton Symphony Orchestra.

Claire Davis is a bassist, songwriter, vocalist and music director currently based in Boston, MA. Known for her melodic basslines, thoughtful lyricism and dynamic stage presence, Claire is the co-founder of eclectic indie-pop group Bermuda Search Party, whose performances have been described as “a celebration of life”. A nationally touring artist since the age of 21, Claire takes pride in holding down the groove in a way that always uplifts the music, and in crafting songs and performances that are meant to move both the audience’s heart, and feet. 

Biribá Union is certainly on a mission — to embody cultural acceptance and unification through music — but always with an infectious groove to hook audiences in. Take their rendition of “Lamentations,” a well-known classical cello composition, is a case study in experimentation and integration. The piece was written by Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, an African-American composer who wrote arrangements for Marvin Gaye and Harry Belafonte. Biribá Union bends the piece into radically new shapes with beat-boxing, freestyle rapping and collective vocal lines harmonizing the cello. Or their take on “Santo Antonio,” a tune by Hermeto Pascoal based on rural forró rhythms that gets elevated with three-part harmonies and extended improvisations. Their debut album will be released on the Bright Shiny Things label in Fall 2025.

Wintergrass 2026 Performers – John Reischman & The Jaybirds

Like the powerful mandolinist and composer at its helm, John Reischman and the Jaybirds fashion a stylish take on bluegrass that seamlessly blends original songs and instrumentals with Appalachian old-time music for a truly unique band sound. Now in their 20th year, with seven acclaimed albums and two Juno nominations, the Jaybirds are simultaneously innovative and unadorned, sophisticated and stripped-down, happily old-fashioned and 21st-century contemporary.

Bluegrass Unlimited calls John Reischman “one of the world’s undisputed masters” of the mandolin, famed for outstanding tone and taste. Many of his dozens of original instrumentals have become popular favourites for sessions and covers, such as the jam standard Saltspring. He has three critically-acclaimed solo instrumental albums and has recorded on many other projects, including the Grammy-winning True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe. John also plays Latin-based jazz and choro music with highly regarded finger-style acoustic guitarist/composer John Miller; the duo has released three superb albums.

John began his career in the San Francisco Bay area in the early ’80s with the eclectic Good Ol’ Persons bluegrass band. He was an original member of the legendary “new acoustic” quartet, the jazz-influenced Tony Rice Unit, renowned for highly skilled instrumentals. John moved to Vancouver in the early ’90s and in 1999 formed the Jaybirds. Of their latest album, Folk Radio UK said “On That Other Green Shore showcases an accomplished, experienced band at the peak of their powers, with musicianship of the very highest order.” Peghead Nation called it “one of the most beguiling bluegrass-rooted recordings of 2017.”

Los Angeles, CA-based guitarist Patrick Sauber joined the Jaybirds in 2017. The veteran performer has played with, among others, Doc Watson, Richard Greene, John Jorgensen, Peter Rowan, Tim O’Brien and John Fogerty. He played on the 2016 Grammy-nominated album The Hazel and Alice Sessions by Laurie Lewis, and appeared in the film A Mighty Wind with Christopher Guest. Bluegrass Unlimited describes Patrick’s playing on John’s tune Daylighting the Creek as “a glorious flatpicking solo that hews back to the glory days of early bluegrass guitar.”

Chilliwack, BC-based Trisha Gagnon is portrayed by Sing Out! as “one of the most versatile” and “irresistible” lead vocalists in bluegrass, her strong and distinctive style ranging from “mournful and plaintive” to “hopeful and yearning.” Trisha anchors what Dirty Linen magazine calls “gorgeous three-part harmonies.” She’s also known for songwriting, dating back to her early days with the award-winning B.C. bluegrass band Tumbleweed. Her solo album includes guests Vince Gill and Peter Rowan.

Nanaimo, BC-based Nick Hornbuckle has developed his own voice on the five-string banjo – a two-finger roll unlike other contemporary banjo players. “Nick Hornbuckle’s banjo can be downright spine-tingling,” said the L.A Daily News. His solo album 12×2 (+/-1), was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award in 2015, and Nick is a composer who also digs for rare old-time gems. His sprightly instrumental Wellesley Station on the new Jaybird album “showcases Nick’s sharp picking and sense of melody,” said Green Man Review.

Spokane, WA-based Greg Spatz is hailed as a “world-class bluegrass fiddler” by Fiddler Magazine. Audiophile Audition says Greg’s “virtuosic playing is flawlessly delivered time after time,” while Bluegrass Unlimited says he “lays down some seriously fine bluegrass fiddle” on the latest Jaybirds release. His strong chops have made him a popular fixture down through the years on the West Coast, where he’s played with iconic mandolinist Frank Wakefield, resophonic guitar master Rob Ickes, and many others including Laurie Lewis, Bryan Bowers, and Eli West and Cahalen Morrison. Greg also plays and records with Mighty Squirrel, has a solo album called Fiddler’s Dream and a duo recording with his wife called All Along the Sea, and is an award-winning novelist.

Wintergrass 2026 Performers – Vasen

Many regard Olov Johansson as Sweden’s greatest craftsman on the nyckelharpa. With his brilliant solo playing and as a member of the group Väsen, he has been largely responsible for the explosion of nyckelharpa playing that has been witnessed recently in Sweden.

Olov grew up in Tärnsjö in northern Uppland and began to play the nyckelharpa at age 14. About a year later he began to study with Curt Tallroth, a well-known bearer of the tradition from Harbo. Through Curt, Olov has learned tunes that have been played in northern Uppland for centuries, passed on from musician to musician. Olov has also played with Eric Sahlström, the most prominent nyckelharpa player of the 20th century.

Since 1989, Olov has worked exclusively as a musician and composer, principally with Väsen, Scottish harpist Catriona McKay, Maskin, organist/pianist Anders Bromander and percussionist/drummer André Ferrari. He has also collaborated with: the Kronos Quartet, Snarky Puppy, Mike Marshall & Darol Anger, Dervish and many more.

Olov works actively to pass on his musical heritage, and has become a role model for many young nyckelharpa players. He gives instruction at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Olov has received many awards and scholarships for his achievements as a musician. In 1984 he was selected as a National Musician, in 1989 he was awarded the Viksta-Lasse Scholarship, and in 1990 he was chosen as World’s Master of both the modern and older type of nyckelharpa. In 1992 he received the Ceylon Wallin Scholarship and in 1995 the Vuxenskolan’s Artist Scholarship and 2006 Uppsala kommun’s artist scholarship. 2013 he was rewarded with the Zorn medal in gold.

Mikael Marin born 1965 in Stockholm, Sweden, is an acclaimed Swedish musician and composer, best known as the violist in the world-renowned Swedish band Väsen. Over the years, Marin has earned wide recognition for his virtuosic playing, inventive arrangements, and his ability to blend traditional folk roots with modern sensibilities.

Mikael Marin began playing music when he was 9 years old, initially gravitating toward the violin. Later, his passion for exploring deeper and more resonant tones led him to the viola, bass viola and violoncello da spalla which would become his signature instruments. He was heavily inspired by Sweden’s rich traditional music heritage. Through old fiddlers from the region of Uppland he learn the style of traditional playing that he still practice. Besides that Mikael also educated him self as a classic violist at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and gained a master in music (1982-1989).

This eclectic mix of styles gave him a unique voice as a musician, and he quickly found his place in the Swedish music scene.

In 1989, Marin co-founded Väsen alongside nyckelharpa master Olov Johansson and guitarist Roger Tallroth. The trio quickly established themselves as one of the leading acts in Swedish acoustic music, crafting a distinctive sound that balances traditional melodies with innovative arrangements and a contemporary edge. Marin’s viola playing is at the heart of Väsen’s music, contributing richly textured harmonies and dynamic energy to their intricate tunes.

Over the course of their career, Väsen has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, toured extensively across Europe, North America, and Asia, and built a dedicated international following. The band has been credited with bringing Swedish folk music to a global audience, and Marin’s contributions have been a key factor in their success. His ability to push the boundaries of traditional music while respecting its roots has made him a standout figure in the genre.

In addition to his work with Väsen, Mikael Marin has collaborated with various other artists and ensembles, further showcasing his versatility and creativity. A skilled arranger, he is known for reimagining traditional tunes and composing original pieces that reflect his innovative spirit. Marin’s work often blurs the line between folk and other musical genres, creating a timeless and genre-defying sound.

In 1994 Mikael started to teach at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Since then he has been educated generations of musicians. Mikael is a highly valued teacher and mentor.

Wintergrass 2026 Performers – The Paperboys

The Paperboys are Mexican Son Jarocho mixed in with Irish Jigs and Reels and a good dose of Country and Bluegrass. It has healthy servings of Ska, Soca and African Highlife and we’ve been known to throw in a little White Boy Reggae. Of course it also has strains of Soul, Pop and Funk although we are by no means a funk band. It is mostly Acoustic although we also like Electric guitars. It is Singer-Songwriter based but not the coffee house variety. It is definitely FOLK music, but not in the Kumbaya style. It has a deep respect and appreciation for tradition (Bluegrass, Old Time, Celtic, Son) but it’s by no means Traditional.

It Rocks incredibly hard and is extremely danceable, but that is not to say it can’t be mellow and slow and beautiful. It can be heart breaking, but also joyous. It is never dark or angst ridden, and always full of hope – but not in the ‘Up With People’ kind of way. It’s not Jazz, although we like Jazz a lot. It’s not heavy metal or punk or grunge, although we love Rush and AC/DC. It is World Roots Music. It’s POP music. It is GOOD music. It has a tendency to connect people and means a lot to many folks the world over, and for that we are very grateful. It is the only multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-generational, multi-lingual, multi-instrumental, genre bending, co-ed band you will hear today.

Wintergrass 2026 Performers – Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore

Mollie O’Brien and her husband, guitarist Rich Moore, have for over 30 years quietly made it their mission to find, mine and reinvent other artists’ songs. They are geniuses at the craft of interpretation in the way that great singers, since the beginning of popular American music, have made the songs of their era their own. As songwriters they add their own tunes to the canon of American roots music they inhabit and show us they’re completely at home with their musical selves. 

Mollie has long been known as a singer who doesn’t recognize a lot of musical boundaries, and audiences love her fluid ability to make herself at home in any genre while never sacrificing the essence of the song she tackles. She is a singer at the very top of her game who’s not afraid to take risks both vocally and in the material she chooses. She’s known for her work with her brother, Tim O’Brien; as a regular on A Prairie Home Companion; as a background vocalist; for her solo recordings on Sugar Hill Records, and for her excellent cooking. Mollie won a Grammy in 1997 for her participation in Sugar Hill Records True Life Blues and is a member of the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. 

Rich, while known to produce some of the funniest onstage running commentary, is also a powerhouse guitar player who can keep up with O’Brien’s twists and turns, from blues to traditional folk to jazz to rock and roll. He creates a band with just his guitar and, as a result, theirs is an equal partnership.

Between them they have released sixteen CDs including four as a duo on their label Remington Road Records; a CD with their daughters, Brigid and Lucy Moore; and Rich’s solo CDs Voiceless, (recorded in 2020 during the first months of the pandemic) and Steady State (in 2001). Their latest CD, Lost In The Crowd, was released in 2025.

Wintergrass 2026 Performers – The Fretless

This award-winning Canadian foursome has firmly established itself on the international music scene with prolific playing, masterful compositions, iconic collaborations, and electrifying live shows. The Fretless has expanded the idea of what a string quartet can be, transforming fiddle tunes and folk melodies into intricate, high-energy arrangements. Their ensemble of two fiddles, a viola, and a cello produces a rich, multi-layered, and distinctive percussive sound that redefines contemporary folk music.  

Since forming in 2011, The Fretless has toured extensively across Canada and worldwide, including Australia, South and North America, and seven European tours—playing historic small halls to prestigious stages such as the Cologne Philharmonic, Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra Hall, Shetland Folk Festival, Festival Internacional Cervantino, and two sold-out shows at Celtic Connections. At home, they’ve captivated audiences at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Small Halls, Hillside Festival, and Mariposa Folk Festival. They also had the honour of sharing the bill with legendary Canadian fiddler Natalie MacMaster for Canada Scene at the National Arts Centre.  

In 2012, The Fretless had a breakout year with their debut album, Waterbound, winning Instrumental Album of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards and Instrumental Group of the Year and Ensemble of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards (CFMA). Their follow-up, The Fretless, won Ensemble of the Year at the CFMAs and features “Waving To Ryan,” one of their most streamed songs. In 2015, Bird’s Nest solidified their place in the roots music scene, earning a 2016 Juno award for Instrumental Album of the Year. Recorded live in a historic barn in upstate New York, their 2018 release, Live from the Art Farm, won a CFMA for Best Ensemble and a second Juno nomination. In 2021, The Fretless released their most ambitious recording — Open House, a 10-track guest singer collaboration featuring an astounding list of powerhouse vocalists. This album solidified The Fretless as an ever-evolving, transcendent group, earning them a Juno nomination for Contemporary Album of the Year in 2022.

Live from the Art Farm taught The Fretless to find a deep traditional groove, while Open House pushed them to explore new sounds and techniques. Influenced by these previous concept records, which expanded their arranging toolkit, The Fretless is set to release Glasswing — an album filled with breath, space, intention, and life. Opening up their writing and arranging process for the first time, they welcomed accomplished singer/songwriter Madeleine Roger to co-write three songs. 

Experimental in nature, Glasswing feels effortless—capturing magical performance moments, superb subtleties, and over a decade of playing together. The Fretless’s sound has never been more cohesive. With expert musicianship and a one-of-a-kind musical experience, the Glasswing tour will invite audiences to connect deeply, sharing a profound passion for music on an entirely new level.

The Fretless is Trent Freeman (Fiddle/Viola), Karrnnel Sawitsky (Fiddle/Viola), Ben Plotnick(Fiddle/Viola), and Eric Wright (Cello)… with Madeleine Roger on vocals.

Wintergrass 2026 Performers – Fog Holler

Fog Holler is a bluegrass band with an edge. What gives them that edge is a topic of hot debate. For some, it’s musicianship – these bluegrass cats shred. For others, it’s the songwriting, traditional in style but topical in substance. Sometimes, they undeniably snare people with the squad factor – folks see 4 grown adults in matching monochrome, and they get curious. The secret, according to Fog Holler, is simply that they write and play bluegrass in 2024, with similar intention but very different context from the genre’s originators.

Inspired by a range of influences from The Stanley Brothers to Buck Owens to Meshuggah, Fog Holler breathes fresh life into well worn forms like the murder ballad and the power waltz. Described by two-time Grammy Award Winner Cathy Fink as “The next generation of the many shades of grass,” Fog Holler’s captivating tunes and coordinated outfits are quickly enthralling longtime bluegrass fans and newcomers alike.

Wintergrass 2026 Performers – Squirrel Butter

Squirrel Butter, husband and wife duo of Charlie Beck & Charmaine Slaven, started performing together after meeting at a music festival in 2005.  Sharing a deep love of traditional music, they explore the genres of old-time, early bluegrass, blues, country, & Cajun while adding their unique perspective to these traditions and threading these influences into their original compositions.  Multi-instrumentalists, they play banjo, guitar, fiddle, steel guitar, step-dance, and sing in harmony. 

Occasionally, Squirrel Butter appears with guest musicians to form a trio or quartet.  Currently both are members of honky-tonk project, The Lucky Shots, and half of venerable string band, The Tallboys. They are anchors of the old-time music, honky-tonk, & square dance communities in the Pacific NW and beyond.

Wintergrass 2026 Performers – Hillman City Sway

Blues, Roots, Rhythms & Dance Revolution! 
Hillman City Sway is a rousing review of American Blues Music. Always with one foot in New Orleans, the band makes you jump up and dance.

Seven talented musicians, from their own deep musical traditions. Together they are The Hillman City Sway! Not just a great dance band but a great blues journey. 

Ricky Gene Powell-Guitars/Mandolin/Vocals/Band Leader 
Ricky Gene is a singer and songwriter, who lays down infectious groove. He is known for his mandolin and guitar playing, fusing the best elements of bluegrass, folk, American roots and world beat music. 

Steve Flynn-Piano/Vocals
For over 50 years musician/singer/songwriter Steven Flynn has been singing and playing piano rooted in blues, boogie-woogie and New Orleans R&B 

Briar-Vocals 
Briar is a singer/ guitar player whose voice, joyous presence and gift of song is an inspiration. She leads the structural leadership team at the Rhapsody Project.

Joe Seamons-Guitars/Harmonica/Vocals 
Joe is a musician and teacher who co-founded the Rhapsody Project in 2013 to harness the power of roots music to help create empathy and equity.

Martel Brooks
Martel is known as the “Drummer of Exceptional Grooves”. He is also a wonderful father and dedicated family man. 

John Oliver III-Drums/Bass/Vocals 
John is a Seattle native, 30+ years of drumming and keyboarding experience, with a strong gospel music based inheritance handed down by previous generations.

Rebecca Young-Bass 
Rebecca is constantly in demand as a bassist who tours, performs and records in the United Stated, Canada and Europe.  She currently resides and works in Seattle, WA.

Wintergrass 2026 Performer – Madeleine Roger

Madeleine Roger (she/her) is a singer-songwriter from Winnipeg, Canada. While skillfully accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, it is her artistry as a songwriter that can silence a room, uniting her lyrical prowess with breathtaking melodies that linger long after they are sung.

Photo by Jenna Shouldice

Her newest collection of songs is a deeply personal body of work examining every nook and cranny of love and loss. It is unflinchingly honest, and is the result of three years of soul-digging, experimentation, and fine-tuning – Madeleine has poured over every word. Nerve, the album created in the process (out August 2024 on Birthday Cake Records) is her sophomore solo release, and it touches the exposed nerve left over from a breakup with a long-term lover and musical collaborator, the death of a soul-friend, the secret of an unrequited love, months of caring for a dying grandparent, and finding a curious peace in spite of it. It was produced by Josh Kaufman (Bob Weir, Bonny Light Horseman, Hiss Golden Messenger, Anaïs Mitchell) and recorded in four days in Kingston NY by engineer D. James Goodwin (The National, Fruit Bats, The Hold Steady).

She has toured extensively across Canada, Europe, USA, and the UK sharing her music live at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Shetland Island Folk Festival, Vancouver Island Music Festival, Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Summerfolk Festival of Arts and Crafts, among others. She is also a regular collaborator with JUNO award winning string quartet The Fretless, appearing with them in performances and on recordings as a vocalist and co-writer.

English Songwriter of the Year nominee (2020 Canadian Folk Music Awards)

Producer of the Year nominee (2019 Western Canadian Music Awards)

Winner: Kerrville’s 2025 Grassy Hill New Folk Competition For Emerging Song