Festival Bands
Palmer Divide formed as a band with the single goal of not being just another bluegrass cover band. The band was created by merging members from several other successful bands; Black Rose, Mountain Heritage, Lost Creek, and White Lightning. With their own approach to acoustic music Palmer Divide offers up their brand of acoustic music with well crafted lyrics, innovative and rock solid instrumentation, and tight 3 part harmonies. Their unique yet hauntingly familiar sound pulls from their deep respect of traditional bluegrass music and well as their desire to create a modern acoustic sound that is all their own.
Special Consensus is a superb bluegrass outfit in a classic vein but with more than enough modern sensibilities to attract every ear in this now pleasantly fractionating genre. The vocals are spotless, the playing as shiny as a newly minted penny, and music like this is the reason people come to love bluegrass… Special Consensus approaches this hallowed American musical form with boundless energy and an aesthetic reverence that tickles the ribs, tugs at the heart, and puts a restless two-step in boots and bare feet.
Tangled Strings is a group of bluegrass musicians who have been performing together since 2005. They have been entertaining their audiences throughout the State of Arizona with driving bluegrass, country and old-time gospel music. The band won first place at the 11th Annual Desert Bluegrass Festival's Band Contest in October 2009.
Jam Pak Blues n Grass Neighborhood Band is from Chandler, Arizona and is a regular at the festival. This group of young musicians
will not only entertain you, they will touch your heart as they perform traditional Bluegrass, Gospel and Old time Music. It is probably
the only Bluegrass band in the world whose ages range from 7 to 92, and has African American, Fillipino. Hispanic, Native American
and Caucasian Players.
www.jampak.com
Led by the IBMA's 2-time "Male Vocalist of the Year", Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out has walked away with IBMA's "Vocal Group
of the Year" award 7 consecutive years.All in all, the band has garnered 50 industry awards. Their a capella renditions of many songs
can rarely be matched and their superb instrumentation provides even more quality to their rich vocal blend. With over 14 recordings
to date and a desire to present their fans with the best music possible, this "supergroup" is one of bluegrass music's most recognized
and in-demand bands.
www.iiirdtymeout.com
X Train are all residents of Arizona or have Arizona roots. They have recently started performing together and have created
quite a buzz. Peter McLaughlin, a national flatpicking champion, is joined by Ross Nickerson (banjo), Mark Miracle (mandolin), Thomas
Porter (guitar) and Bob Denoncourt (bass). The band brings an exciting, fresh approach to bluegrass music,