Article Contributed by Dan Ward
Published on 2026-02-26
Shipshewana, Indiana, doesn’t seem like a destination for music lovers—and that is exactly why it works so well. Approximately equal distance from Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Detroit, and the powerhouse musical hub of Chicago, the area is quietly emerging as a destination of its own. Tonight, the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center plays host to Sierra Hull and The Milk Carton Kids, two highly recognized artists.
The entry to the Blue Gate makes a statement. Simply put, all your preconceived notions about the Amish heartland are wrong. From floor to ceiling, the walls are covered in guitars and memorabilia from artists old and new. My eyes are drawn to a well-worn mandolin hanging near the box office, simply labeled “Ricky Skaggs”—a bit of foreshadowing for tonight’s show.
The lights dim in the beautiful main theater as Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan take the stage. Immediately, the duo breaks into one of their most recognizable tunes, “Monterey.” Smooth, soothing guitar licks mingle with harmonies reminiscent of The Everly Brothers or Simon & Garfunkel, and the crowd swoons.
After the third song, Joey addresses the audience, treating us to his signature deadpan humor. He jokes about how the California duo has long dreamed of the day they would play Shipshewana, and the audience eats up his easy accessibility. Asking where people are from, he realizes many have traveled up to an hour through snowy weather just to hear them play.
The duo treats the audience to several songs from their new album (released April 24). The title cut, “Lost Cause Lover Fool,” features tight harmonies and flowing lyrical lines that paint vivid mental pictures.
They follow with the equally charming “North Country Ride,” invoking thoughts of travel with an 1880s sensibility. The duo invites Sierra Hull to join them on their new song “A Friend Like You,” as Kenneth quips, “so you can hear the mandolin part the way it is supposed to sound.” Sierra, as lively as ever, enters with a story about accidentally walking into the audience earlier. This is pure, humanistic entertainment.
The new song is another masterpiece, and Sierra blends so seamlessly you would think they have worked together for years. The duo continues with favorites “Charlie,” “What Am I Supposed to Do Without You,” and “Michigan”—songs that allow each musician to showcase their remarkable flatpicking skills.
The pair close their set with “I Just Can’t Shake That Feeling” and receive a standing ovation. The audience has fallen for the smooth vocal stylings and warm, easygoing presence The Milk Carton Kids bring to the stage. Hopefully, they will add Shipshewana to their list of favorite tour destinations.
A quick stage reset, and Sierra Hull enters to shake up the night. The band launches into the fan favorite “Boom!” and the room comes alive. Sierra has assembled one of the most cohesive bands in music today. Each member is a virtuoso on their chosen instrument, contributing boundlessly to the group’s sound.
The instrumental “Lord, That’s a Long Way” features one of the most recognizable fiddle solos in modern bluegrass. Avery Merritt is a master on fiddle, making fiery runs look effortless. Likewise, guitarist Shawn Richardson flatpicks with blinding speed while barely breaking a sweat on the standard “How Long.”
Erik Coveney, the band’s bassist, brings commanding stage presence. Constantly interacting with the other musicians, he serves as the anchor of this high-energy troupe. Mark Raudabaugh commands the drum set with a “less is more” approach that makes playing together a pleasure. Together they form the essential foundation on songs like “Compass,” “Movement 3, Pray,” and “Come Out of My Blues.”
The band steps back for a heartfelt moment as Sierra shares the story of her grandmother, the inspiration behind “Spitfire.” A small table onstage holds a photo of her grandmother to keep her spirit present. The audience can feel that this band operates more like a family. They believe in Sierra, and she places her trust in them.
The Milk Carton Kids return to join Sierra on “Everybody’s Talking.” Kenneth, Sierra, and Joey clearly enjoy making music together, and the audience delights in the collaboration. Their voices blend effortlessly, bringing the harmonies fully to life.
Sierra’s band returns for a stirring rendition of Del McCoury’s “I Feel the Blues Moving In.” Sierra lights up the mandolin with joy, smiling ear to ear while honoring the bluegrass legend. The band’s own hits “Bombshell” and “What Do You Say?” set the fans in motion as every member remains fully engaged. The love of what they are doing is evident in every note.
Last year, Sierra released a new album featuring the haunting tune “Black River.” The song is introspective and deep, pulling emotion from every phrase. In live performance, it is nearly overpowering. Sierra seems almost entranced as the melancholy melody falls from her fingers.
The band closes the night with a Béla Fleck cover, “Stomping Grounds.” The high-energy, feel-good instrumental seems like the perfect finale—but the evening has one more moment left. Sierra brings everyone back onstage for a full-ensemble cover of the Carter Family original “Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow.” The Milk Carton Kids join in as each musician takes a solo ride. A tour de force in every sense, Sierra Hull and The Milk Carton Kids know exactly how to put on a show.
