Spring is upon us, and the world is emerging from its winter sleep. Nearly ten years ago, Despina Peters and Cassie Lynn Wright formed Fox Crossing Stringband as an all‑female four‑piece bluegrass ensemble. Recently, the band has undergone a rebirth—expanding into a five‑piece lineup with three new members. While retaining its signature female perspective, Fox Crossing now presents a stronger, more polished sound, clearly poised for the next level.
Friday nights at the Livery in Benton Harbor have become a beloved tradition of great music, beer, and food. Tonight, Fox Crossing is on the run to begin their summer tour, and fans are ready for an evening of exceptional bluegrass. Despina and Cassie are joined by Roman Niziolek on bass and Micah Vogel on fiddle; mandolinist Caleb Peters will join them for the rest of the dates.
The show opens with an engaging mix of originals and covers, including Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi,” a moody take on the Steeldrivers “Dark Whiskey,” and one of my favorite originals, “Bleeding on the Blacktop.” Their own songs highlight impressive songwriting, insightful storytelling, and a touch of humor. “Thibodeaux,” by Claire Lynch, is a furious, fiddle‑driven number, spotlights Micah Vogel’s virtuosity and previews the excitement to come in the second set.
Set one concludes with an uplifting rendition of Paul Simon’s “Late in the Evening.” After more than an hour onstage and 17 tunes delivered with tireless energy, the band still looks as though they could play for hours more.
Offstage, Cassie Lynn Wright keeps bluegrass fans informed about upcoming events via Bluegrass Chicago, an online resource for bluegrass and old‑time music around the city. When Despina Peters isn’t touring with Fox Crossing, she and her husband Caleb (of Miles Over Mountains) can be found on the road with their band, The Lucky Pickers.
The second set is packed with hard‑hitting originals—“Whiskey and Me,” "Little Black Heart," and "Good News," and the humorous “Winter and the 4th of July.” Fully in their groove, they deliver a heartfelt version of “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive” by Daryl Scott and "Pour Me" by Trick Pony. Micah shines not only on fiddle but also on vocals during “Calling Baton Rouge,” showcasing the band’s tight harmonies. The evening closes with Billy Joe Shaver’s “Georgia on a Fast Train,” a fast‑paced country classic that perfectly illuminates this talented group’s strengths.
Fox Crossing Stringband will tour the Midwest this summer with 30 confirmed dates. Catch the Foxes on the run at your favorite bluegrass festivals—and keep an ear out for new music: they plan to release another recording after the tour, but in the meantime, you can find their existing work on all major streaming services. Visit their website for tour dates, music, and news.
