Chicago-based non-profit, Bluegrass Ambassadors, founded by critically-acclaimed bluegrass band Henhouse Prowlers, have, once again, partnered with ReString Appalachia, a non-profit initiated by the music history podcast American Songcatcher, to raise funds to provide musical instruments to individuals affected by the devastating flooding in Texas.

The 2025 Frankfort Bluegrass Festival once again proved why it's one of the most beloved grassroots gatherings in the Midwest. Held July 12–13 in the historic downtown square of Frankfort, IL, the all-ages, free festival continues to grow while maintaining its community spirit and bluegrass roots. With three stages, including the shaded beer garden stage at Old Plank Trail Tavern, the weekend offered nonstop music, local vendors, and warm hospitality around every corner.

I do not typically attend music festivals two years in a row. As a journalist who reviews festivals, I usually choose different ones each season, circling back only every few years to see how promoters have improved things. Yet over the Fourth of July weekend, I found myself once again at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park for the Grassfire Festival—barely a year since my last visit.

Dark Shadow Recording (DSR) heads into the 2025 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) voting season with its most formidable showing to date, fielding contenders in virtually every major category. From marquee vocal honors to instrumental virtuosity and album-of-the-year consideration, the DSR roster underscores the label’s reputation for pairing forward-thinking artistry with deep bluegrass roots.

Becky Buller & The Becky Buller Band

    Female Vocalist of the Year – Becky Buller

Chicago‑based bluegrass quartet Henhouse Prowlers will unveil their sophomore studio album, Unravel, tomorrow, April 19, on renowned roots imprint Dark Shadow Recording. The twelve‑song collection—eleven originals and a daring, harmony‑rich take on Genesis’ “Land of Confusion”—finds the band stretching musical boundaries while staying rooted in the high‑octane string‑band drive that has made them international ambassadors of American acoustic music.

The Frankfort Bluegrass Festival, a 100% not-for-profit celebration of America’s enduring musical tradition, will mark its 15th anniversary on July 12–13, 2025, in downtown Frankfort. Recognized as a premier music destination, this free two-day event has earned notable accolades, including being named the 2018 IBMA Event of the Year and “Best Event of the Year” by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) in 2019.

“Three Seasons", written by Chris Dollar (guitar, vocals), is the second single from the Henhouse Prowlers' album, scheduled for the release this spring.

 “Line The Avenues”, written by the Henhouse Prowlers singer/banjo player Ben Wright, releases today to celebrate the upcoming Veterans Day. 

Still firmly rooted at Three Sisters Park over Memorial Day weekend, Solshine Reverie navigated the rebranding challenge to meet the expectations of Scampers. The times they are a changin’.

Billy Strings brought a unique and electrifying energy to the Windy City, transforming the Allstate Arena into a bluegrass haven on Friday, May 24, 2024. From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Chicago’s own bluegrass legends, the Henhouse Prowlers, kicked off the evening, entertaining a vibrant crowd of tie-dyed fans and setting the perfect tone for the night.