2024 Bluegrass & Old-Time

ABOUT THE HIGH 48's - Bluegrass 

Since forming in northeast Minneapolis in 2006, The High 48s have been making music that combines the soulful sound of classic bluegrass with a modern attitude.

They’re a band with one foot in tradition and the other in the world of music today, and one of the very few who can find an overlooked bluegrass classic in a song by M. Ward or the Clash then throw down hard on a standard by Bill Monroe.

The High 48s are also a band of songwriters. Here, too, they take a modern approach, heeding the well-worn advice to writers: write what you know. Their songs ring true to their lives as northern city-folk rather than an imagined “sweet, sunny south” of coal mines and dark hollers.

In addition to keeping up a busy performing schedule, the High 48s are passionate about music education and are in demand as instructors. The band teaches one-on-one lessons, group workshops and jam camps around the country, including Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-time Music Association’s Grass Seeds Academy, an annual bluegrass jam camp for kids.

The band have also been regular instructors at the International Music Camp, MN Bluegrass & Old-time Music Festival Jam Camp, Blue Ox Music Festival, Brian Wicklund’s Fiddle Pals Camp, Bluegrass in the Schools Programs and more

ABOUT EARL WHITE STRING BAND - Old-Time

Fiddlin Earl White has been a prominent figure in the Old-time music and dance community for more than 50+ years. He is one of few Black Americans playing and perpetuating the music that was once an important part of black culture and black communities across the US. He is an original and founding member of the famed Greengrass Cloggers and received his first fiddle in 1975. Earl’s energetic, rhythmic, driving style is attributed to many years of dancing with the Cloggers to the delights of Tommy Jarrell, the Highwoods Stringband, the Plank Road Stringband, and the Horseflies, to name a few. His fiddling is as heartfelt as his dancing of earlier years.

Currently, Earl leads the “The Earl White Stringband” with the superb accompaniment of Victor Furtado-banjo, Danny Knicely-guitar, Adrienne Davis-guitar, Mark Schatz- bass, and a host of other great musicians. Find Fiddlin Earl White and the Earl White Stringband on YouTube.

My teaching style is geared toward ear training. I use a call and response approach. Students are also directed to reference sources for listening and immersive experiences.

• Overview
• 2024 Stage Schedules
• Family Area Schedule
• Workshop Schedule
• Ticket Information

• Festival FAQs
• Campground and Activities
• Camping Information

• Volunteer Sign-Up