Article Contributed by Ariel Rosemberg
Published on February 10, 2026
Photo: From left to right: Deanie Richardson, Dani Flowers, Marian Leighton Levy, Ken Irwin, Gena Britt, Jaelee Roberts, Rainy Miatke, and Katie Blomarz-Kimball
Two-time Grammy-nominated bluegrass band Sister Sadie has announced a new partnership with Down The Road Records, the independent label founded by Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton Levy, and Bill Nowlin, the original founders of Rounder Records, and joined by longtime Rounder president John Virant.
Down The Road Records was launched to continue the founders’ long-standing commitment to artist development and musical integrity, grounded in a deep respect for American roots music. With strong ties to bluegrass, folk, and Americana, the label takes a collaborative, long-term approach that values trust and careful stewardship of the tradition.
Formed in Nashville, Sister Sadie has become one of the most respected bands in modern bluegrass. The group has earned multiple IBMA Awards and two Grammy nominations, along with consistent recognition for its musicianship and harmony-driven sound. On stage and in the studio, the band is defined by a clear collective voice, built on camaraderie and creative independence.
“I have always wanted to work with Ken Irwin, and had honestly thought that time would never come. To get that chance now on this fifth Sister Sadie record is a dream come true,” shared founding member and fiddler Deanie Richardson. “This band is the best it’s ever been. The writing, the musicianship, and the stellar vocals are truly inspiring and make me want to work even harder every single day. Teaming up with Down The Road feels like the perfect next step. Down The Road shares the same values, integrity, and commitment to the music as Sister Sadie. We look forward to putting out the best music of Sister Sadie with Down The Road Records.”
Closely connected to the bluegrass community while continuing to reach new audiences, Sister Sadie enters this partnership at a moment of creative momentum. The collaboration brings together a band that has helped shape the contemporary bluegrass landscape with a label whose leadership has played a defining role in independent roots music for more than five decades. Both sides see the relationship as a natural fit, rooted in shared values and a long view of the music.
“We’ve been massive Sister Sadie fans for years and have hoped for a chance to work together for a long time,” says label co-founder Ken Irwin. “When the timing finally aligned, it felt exactly right. We’re incredibly proud and delighted to announce that Down The Road Records is partnering with this wonderful group on their stunning new album.”
Additionally, the band is set to head out on their Winter 2026 All Will Be Well Tour, kicking off Thursday in Muncie, Indiana.
Catch Sister Sadie on tour in 2026:
Feb 12 / Muncie, IN / Pruis Hall (Ball State University)
Feb 16 / Morton, IL / Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center
Feb 17 / St. Louis, MO / Blue Strawberry
Feb 18 / Evanston, IL / SPACE
Feb 19 / Ann Arbor, MI / The Ark
Feb 20 / Kent, OH / The Kent Stage
Feb 21 / Pittsburgh, PA / City Winery Pittsburgh
Feb 22 / Sellersville, PA / Sellersville Theater
Feb 25 / New York, NY / Joe’s Pub
Feb 26 / Old Saybrook, CT / The Kate
Feb 27 / Manchester, NH / Rex Theatre
Feb 28 / Stowe, VT / Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center
Mar 1 / Saratoga Springs, NY / Caffè Lena
Mar 13–20 / Miami, FL / Cayamo
Mar 27 / Brooksville, FL / Spring Bluegrass Festival
Mar 28 / Decatur, GA / Eddie’s Attic
Mar 29 / Pelham, TN / The Caverns (with The Travelin’ McCourys)
Apr 23 / Wilkesboro, NC / MerleFest
Apr 24 / TBA
May 8 / Denton, NC / The Malpass Brothers Bluegrass & Country Festival
May 15 / Sevierville, TN / Bloomin’ BBQ
May 21–22 / Cumberland, MD / DelFest
May 23 / Big Stone Gap, VA / Gathering in the Gap
Jun 11 / Lexington, KY / Spirit in the Bluegrass
Jun 13 / Wind Gap, PA / Wind Gap Bluegrass
Jun 26 / Tunbridge, VT / Jenny Brook Bluegrass Festival
Jun 30 / Nashville, TN / Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman Auditorium (with Sam Bush Band)
