In true Wisconsin fashion, the 2025 Blue Ox Music Festival kicked off with a good ol’ mud bath. Held June 26–28 at The Pines Music Park in Eau Claire, it didn’t take long for the opening-day rain to turn the grassy grounds into a squishy, Chaco-sucking mess. But if you’ve ever been to Blue Ox, you know a little mud doesn’t scare anyone off—long-time attendees always pack for it. Once the sun appeared and temperatures climbed, the weather shifted from soggy to scorching, yet spirits stayed sky-high from start to finish.

Fresh on the heels of the release of their 8th studio album, Pert Near Sandstone has recorded a cover of The Replacements “Can’t Hardly Wait” which they are excited to release today, April 19. Longtime stewards of the modern stringband resurgence throughout their 20 years as a band, Pert Near Sandstone are known for their contemporary appeal and collaborative spirit with their lively music, quick pickin,’ creative lyrics, and choice covers.

Pert Near Sandstone independently released Waiting Days Oct 20. Longtime stewards of the modern stringband resurgence, Pert Near Sandstone are known for their contemporary appeal and collaborative spirit with their vibrant music, intricate pickin,’ and inventive lyrics.

Pert Near Sandstone independently releases a new album Waiting Days Oct 20. Longtime stewards of the modern stringband resurgence, Pert Near Sandstone are known for their contemporary appeal and collaborative spirit with their lively music, quick pickin,’ and creative lyrics.

“Our waiting days are finally over,” the title track from Pert Near Sandstone’s new album decries, echoing the sentiment of a community recently pent up and beyond longing. What can develop from the turbulence of a still dwindling global pandemic and also respond to the noise of prattling politics? Art has its purpose in this exact hour.

“Our waiting days are finally over,” the title track from Pert Near Sandstone’s new album decries, echoing the sentiment of a community recently pent up and beyond longing. What can develop from the turbulence of a still dwindling global pandemic and also respond to the noise of prattling politics? Art has its purpose in this exact hour.

Blue Ox Music Festival is proud to announce the initial artist lineup for the 9th Blue Ox Music Festival, taking place on June 22, 23, 24, 2023. The festival welcomes back the annual summer pilgrimage of bluegrass, Americana, roots, and folk artists, and their devoted music festival fans; returning to the tall trees and rolling hills of northern Wisconsin.

Blue Ox Music Festival is proud to announce its initial lineup of artists, for the 8th annual Blue Ox Music Festival, to be held the first weekend of summer, on June 23, 24, 25, 2022.

Blue Ox Music Festival welcomes back the summer pilgrimage of Bluegrass, Americana, Roots, and Folk artists, and their devoted music festival fans; returning to the tall pines and hardwoods of northern Wisconsin.

Blue Ox Music Festival is pleased to announce its artist lineup, for the 7th annual Blue Ox Music Festival, to be held August 19, 20 and 21, 2021.