Halloweenfest 2025

Shadowgrass

8:30 pm -

When their instrumental prowess earned them a vast following on social media, childhood friends turned all-star act Shadowgrass found sudden success. But as a young band, the expectations that went along with a large audience proved daunting. “We felt a lot of pressure to make something uniquely us, because we had such a big following, and we felt that they deserved more than what we had given them as of yet.” explains the band. The group dug deep into their own musicality, and tried to block out the noise for their sophomore release All That Will (release date: Oct 4, 2024). “It turned out that dropping those self-imposed expectations and just writing/making music for our own enjoyment was the key to finding our collective voice and making a record we are all proud of.”

Shadowgrass began in 2014 when Clay Russell (Banjo), Luke Morris (Mandolin), Kyser George (Guitar) were jamming at the Grayson County Fiddler’s Convention in Elk Creek, VA. Sometime before their first real show, the name Shadowgrass was suggested simply because they thought it sounded “cool”. Kyser, Clay, and Luke were 9, 13, and 14 years old at the time. Now in their early twenties, their influences and listening habits have changed drastically, but the group has always grown in the same direction musically. They have welcomed fiddle player Madison Morris, who also lends vocals and songwriting prowess, and bass player Evan Campfield. Luke and Madison trade off lead vocals, and harmonies seamlessly with one another. Their commitment to and keen interest in songwriting brings additional dimensions to the band, allowing the group to appeal to listeners outside of the expected jam-band community.

As a very young band that has already been playing together for a decade, Shadowgrass has a unique bond. “We’ve grown up together and have watched each other evolve into the people we are today”, they say. “It sounds cliche but we definitely act more like siblings than bandmates”. On All That Will, the group explores themes of anxiety and uncertainty, and questioning the people they want to become. Luckily, they’ve had each other to share these experiences with, and it seems that their companionship has only pushed their artistic and musical abilities to new heights.

Armchair Boogie

6:30 pm -

Armchair Boogie is bluegrass at full throttle, infused with the energy of a jam band and the swagger of rock ‘n’ roll. Hailing from Madison, WI, this electrifying quartet blends jamgrass, funk, and country into a sound that’s as infectious as it is unexpected. Known for their tight harmonies, blistering solos, and dance-fueled live shows, they’ve quickly become one of the most exciting acts on the circuit. The Bluegrass Situation named them a “Must-See Roots Artist at Bourbon & Beyond,” raving that their late-night set at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival was nothing short of a barn-burner. Mixing timeless originals with choice covers reimagined in their own style, Armchair Boogie delivers a fresh take on every stage they hit.
With Augie Dougherty on banjo, Ben Majeska on acoustic and electric guitars, and the locked-in rhythm section of Eli Frieders (electric bass) and Denzel Connor (drums), the band stretches the boundaries of bluegrass with fiery instrumentals and deep-pocket grooves. Their adventurous approach to the music keeps audiences on their feet and coming back for more.