Lineup
Sammy Shelor & the Lonesome River Band
Since its formation decades ago, Lonesome River Band continues its reputation as one of the most respected names in bluegrass music. Five-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Banjo Player of the Year, and winner of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, Sammy Shelor leads the group that is constantly breaking new ground in acoustic music. With two stellar lead vocalists, Brandon Rickman (guitar) and Jesse Smathers (mandolin), as well as the impressive talents of Mike Hartgrove (fiddle) and Barry Reed (bass), the band seamlessly comes together, performing the trademark sound that fans continue to embrace.
On Stage AT 4:00 p.m.
Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road
Winning both industry awards and the heart of fans across the world, Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road lead listeners on a journey through their dynamic performances. Hailing from the small Appalachian town of Deep Gap, North Carolina, Purcell leans into his roots, including the legacy of Doc Watson, who lived less than a mile away. Watson influenced the young Purcell through his powerful musicianship and storytelling. Along with the other brilliant musicians in Cane Mill Road, Liam blends tradition, innovation, and excellence into a truly one-of-a-kind musical experience. The band includes Ella Jordan, fiddle; Rob McCormac, guitar; Jacob Smith, bass; Zack Vickers, banjo, and sound engineer Alex Naismith.
​On Stage at 2:45 p.m.
Tim White & Troublesome Hollow
Tim White is the only artist so far to have been awarded the CBCBF “Friend of the Festival” Award, and what a good friend he has been! He has performed on our stage with this band many times (but not nearly enough!) and promoted our Camp and festival from his own stage and radio programs many times, even recording an audio documentary about our work here at Camp.
Troublesome Hollow has been together for years, performing bluegrass classics and originals with a special blend of skill and good humor. The group features Tim White on banjo, guitar, and vocals; Donnie Ollis on guitar and vocals, and his younger brother Garry Ollis on upright bass and vocals.
Tim has hosted the Song of the Mountains television program since 2005. His nationally syndicated radio show, “The Tim White Bluegrass Show” airs across America on more than 60 radio stations.
On Stage at 1:30 p.m.
Caroline Owens & New Company
Caroline Owens is a three-time IBMA, two-time Josie (independent) Music Awards, and SPBGMA-nominated bluegrass vocalist, recording artist, and publisher for Billy Blue Records of Nashville, TN. She has performed alongside many of the music industry’s most accomplished artists such as: Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, Suzanne Cox, The Isaacs, Larry Gatlin, Darin & Brooke Aldridge and many others.
In addition to her undeniable vocal talent, Caroline made her mark in the songwriting industry when her debut single, “Heartbreak Train” claimed the #1 Bluegrass Song of 2023 on the Bluegrass Borderline Charts.
Her band members include Spencer Strickland, mandolin; Chase Bennett, banjo; Zak McLamb, bass, and Ella Thomas, fiddle.
On Stage at 12:15 p.m.
The Biscuit Eaters
The Biscuit Eaters hail from Surry County. They include Wilkerson family members Sam, age
15; Jo, age 12; Maggie Jane, age 10; Silas, age 8; Molly, age 6, and parents Jason (a chaplain with Samaritan’s Purse) and Meredith. As young as they are, they have been turning heads and winning competitions throughout the southeast. They have shared the stage with everyone from Crystal Gayle to Jerry Douglas, and wowed our crowd at last year’s Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival.
On Stage for the National Anthem at 10:45 a.m. and for their full set at 11:00 a.m.