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Our 2026 Line-up
Click Pictures of the Bands Below for More Content
Broken Compass
Grass Valley, CA.
Probably the most requested band to have graced the Bowers stage in the last 10 years, we're delighted to welcome them back to celebrate our 40th Anniversary! These amazing young virtuosos embody our 2026 theme, "Passing the Torch". They are quadruple-handedly blazing the path for the future of Bluegrass music. We heard you all when you begged us to bring them back!
Caltucky
Nevada County, CA.
Another ground-breaking young Bluegrass band from northern California, Caltucky epitomizes the passion of youth to embrace change. They respect their elders with foot stomping Bluegrass covers and smooth harmony vocals, while also stretching limits with their dance-and-trance originals. Their fanbase is bursting with enthusiasm which contributes to a pervasive sense of joy at every Caltucky show.
Salty Sally
Bay Area, CA.
To continue our celebration of youthful Bluegrass stars to whom our precious music is being passed, we are thrilled to bring back another of our most requested bands, Salty Sally. These girls are all in college now, pursuing their musical muses. Each is already branching out to perform with a variety of other ensembles and sharing their prodigious skills far and wide.
Forest Thurman & Breakline
Arizona
Formed in 2025 under the Arizona sun, Forest Thurman & Breakline have rapidly emerged as one of the Southwest's most compelling, hard-driving bluegrass acts. Led by guitarist, vocalist, and 2025 Arizona State Flatpicking Champion, Forest Thurman.
Bay Area Special
San Jose, CA
Formed in 2024, Bay Area Special has developed a signature sound characterized by dynamic vocals, virtuostic instrumentals, and an infectious energy. Known for their tight vocal harmonies and driving sound, the band has a bright future keeping the flame of the "high lonesome sound" alive and well!
Reno Bands
The Rough Edges
Edge of Town
Toby & the Reno Grass
Monday Night Volunteers
Youth Showcase
We're so honored and proud to have these talented young players appearing at our Festival. The future of Bluegrass Music is in good hands!
The Sierra Sisters
The Sierra Sisters are from Sparks, NV. Lillia on violin is 13 years old. Her sister Adeline on cello and their cousin Ember on guitar are both 11 years old. The girls often play for their church in Northwest Reno. Lillia has been playing since 6, Adeline has been playing since 7, and Ember has been playing a ukulele and singing since 5. Lillia and Adeline have spent several years involved in Reno youth orchestra. Ember takes lessons from Cindy Gray at Mountain Music Parlor. Cindy has been a wonderful mentor and encourager to the girls! When the they aren’t making music together they love spending time in the beautiful Sierra Nevadas camping, hiking, and adventuring!
Ruby Herz
Ruby Herz is a young fiddle player from Reno, Nevada. She enjoys going to fiddle competitions with her Dad, who accompanies her on the guitar. She is a 3 time Nevada State Junior champion and won first place in the 2025 Western Open Fiddle contest in Red Bluff, CA. She also loves skiing, horse back riding and playing with her dog Frida and her hamster Kukui.