It ' s a rare and remarkable achievement , one that has only be accomplished once before in history ...
HEADLINERS
2 0 2 4 O I B F P R O G R A M OKLAHOMA ’ S INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
The Fretliners
HEADLINERS 2024
It ' s a rare and remarkable achievement , one that has only be accomplished once before in history ...
W
ith hearts soaring and spirits alight , this extraordinary quartet has triumphed , capturing the coveted titles in both band competitions at the 2023 Telluride Bluegrass and Rockygrass Festivals ! It ’ s a rare and remarkable achievement , one that has only been accomplished once before in history , and they are now riding a wave of exhilaration , soaring higher than a Mississippi Kite dancing in the sky .
It is a rare and precious occurrence when a single moment unfolds , forever altering the course of four lives intertwined . Yet , like a searing lightning bolt illuminating an open field , the moment The Fretliners gathered around a solitary microphone in the charming Cloverlick banjo shop barn in Fort Collins , Colorado , surged with an undeniable electricity . That fateful evening breathed life into their souls , igniting a passion that would bind them together .
A dynamic collective of progressive pickers whose breathtaking talent speaks volumes . With Tom Knowlton ' s blazing guitar riffs , Sam Parks ' enchanting mandolin melodies , Taylor Shuck ' s resonant upright bass thumping , and Dan Andree ' s fiddle burning through the air , they create an irresistible soundscape . Drawing inspiration from an array of musical journeys , they embark on an exhilarating ascent toward that haunting , high-lonesome sound . Their masterful arrangements of original bluegrass tracks will lift you above the treetops and carry you over the summit , where the beauty of their craft will leave you breathless .
The band takes its name from the evocative Towns Van Zandt song , White Fretliner Blues . Following in Van Zandt ’ s lead , the bands songwriting is a heartfelt journey , woven together in a beautiful tapestry of emotion , while their undeniable chemistry ignites a spark that lights up the stage .
In September 2023 , they released their debut self-titled album , a labor of love that was embraced with open arms . With a nod to the past , they boldly chart a unique path , scaling the breathtaking peaks of Rocky Mountain original bluegrass with a spirit that is as invigorating as it is infectious .
Folks can expect an energetic atmosphere with imaginative solos , story-driven songwriting , and dynamite stage presence . The band ' s respect for one another and uncanny ability to communicate on stage shines true from beginning to end .
IBF
OKLAHOMA ’ S INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2024 / 3