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.

Reigning IBMA Songwriter of the Year Rick Faris today unveils his fourth solo album, Life’s Parade, on Dark Shadow Recording. A two-time GRAMMY nominee and eight-time IBMA Award winner, Faris calls the twelve-song collection “a snapshot in time of my life journey and my wants for the world,” adding:

Fresh off his win as the 2024 IBMA Songwriter of the Year, acclaimed guitarist and vocalist Rick Faris unveils “You Don’t Know What You’re Missing,” the third advance single from his forthcoming album Life’s Parade, due July 11 on Dark Shadow Recording. A nimble, hard-driving track with a contemplative core, the song urges listeners to disconnect from the daily digital churn and reconnect with life’s deeper, human moments.

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

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Rick Faris welcomes his milestone 40th birthday by unveiling his latest single, “On The Right Track.” Available now on all streaming platforms, the track sets the tone for Faris’s upcoming fourth solo album on Dark Shadow Recording, slated for June.

2024 IBMA Songwriter of the Year Rick Faris proudly unveils his uplifting new single, “Bend, Don’t Break,” available now via Dark Shadow Recording. A song of resilience and hope, “Bend, Don’t Break” showcases Faris’s evolving artistry and songwriting prowess, backed by an all-star lineup of collaborators. Listen here: https://sc.lnk.to/Ar65ql.

Congratulations to Rick Faris on his 2024 IBMA Award nomination in the Song of the Year category!

“Too Lonely, Way Too Long” (written by Rick Faris, produced by Stephen Mougin) is a song from Rick's third solo album release Uncommon Sky (2023) on Dark Shadow Recording.

The song features Del McCoury on harmony vocals, Jerry Douglas on resophonic guitar and Rick's studio band - Laura Orshaw on fiddle,  Zak McLamb on bass, Harry Clark on mandolin and Luke Munday on banjo.

The 2022 International Bluegrass Association's "New Artist Of The Year" Rick Faris, releases his third album on Dark Shadow Recording, Uncommon Sky.

The 2022 International Bluegrass Association's "NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR" Rick Faris, releases a cover of the Huey Lewis mega-hit "The Power Of Love". The single premiered on Sirius XM Bluegrass Junction Thursday morning, and Bluegrass Today premiered the accompanying music video.

Both my husband and I have volunteered at the Frankfort Bluegrass Festival (FBF) for a few years. We’ve helped with early morning set-up and merchandise sales. Volunteer work done, we’re free for music and dancing if the chance arises. But, this year hubby (Floyd) would be backpacking in Pennsylvania. Now was the perfect chance to volunteer with hospitality.