Lonesome River Band

As the headliner for Blockbuster Bluegrass Weekend, the Lonesome River Band is guaranteed to take charge of the evening with its hard-driving bluegrass, rock'n'roll edge, meticulous picking and tight harmonies. LRB has won numerous awards from the prestigious International Bluegrass Music Association for their albums, vocals and songwriting. To witness a live performance is to appreciate why the group is as famous for its dynamic stage presence as for its gorgeous sound. Anchored by Sammy Shelor on banjo, the group includes Mike Hartgrove (fiddle), John Wade (bass), Jeff Parker (mandolin, guitar), and Brandon Richman (guitar). Their just-released CD, Head on into Heartache, follows up other best-selling albums including Carrying the Tradition andOld Country Town. ww.lonesomeriverband.com

Appalachian Trail

The term "multi-talented" doesn't begin to describe the musical gifts of Appalachian Trail. In fact most members of the band play at least two instruments in addition to providing vocals, songwriting and arrangements. Josh Goforth (guitar, fiddle), Glen Rose (banjo), Vickie Austin (upright bass), Tim Laughlin (fiddle, guitar, mandolin) and Tommy Austin (mandolin, mandola) have performance credits ranging from the Pickin' Porch and the Carter Family Fold to the Grand Ole Opry and international venues. The group is particularly noted for its sweet vocal harmonies. Their latest CD is Time for Movin'. www.appalachiantrailbluegrass.com

Fescue

For more than 20 years, Fescue has delighted audiences across the Southeast with shows featuring everything from slow ballads to hard-driving energetic bluegrass tunes. The band has received numerous awards, including first place in the bluegrass band competition at the prestigious Galax Fiddlers Convention in both 1997 and 2000. Band members are "Fat Albert" Blackburn (bass, vocals), Mike Goodman (banjo, vocals), Garnet Lester (guitar, vocals), Raymond Campbell (mandolin, vocals), and Jordan Blevins (fiddle, vocals). www.fescueband.com

Trey Hensley & Drivin' Force
What does a 14-year old guitar player do after appearing onstage with the likes of Marty Stuart and Earl Scruggs at the Grand Ole Opry, or with the late Johnny and June Carter Cash at the Carter Family Fold? Come find out as Trey Hensely & Drivin' Force bear down on The Lincoln Theatre. His latest CD, released by Copper Creek Records, is called Backin' to Birmingham. He doesn't do many concerts during the school year, so don't miss this show. www.treyhensley.com

No Speed Limit

This dynamic young group, whose members hail from Grayson and Smyth Counties, has caught the attention of bluegrass lovers throughout the region. They recently opened for Del McCoury at the Blue Ridge Music Center, and have just released a CD entitled Bluegrass Lullaby that was produced by the Virginia Folklife Program and the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. Fans who attended the band's June gig at The Lincoln Theatre look forward to the return of Stevie Barr (banjo), Amber Collins (vocals), Chase Jones (mandolin), Jacob Eller (bass), David Nealon (rhythm guitar), and teenage fiddling sensation Montana Young. www.nospeedlimitband.com

Celtic Air

Learn what great harmony is all about when this diverse group of talented teenagers rolls into town. Comprised of an ever-changing group of 14-18 year olds who represent six cities in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, these superb musicians have toured throughout the region, across the Southeast and in Scotland. Based in Bristol, TN, Celtic Air is under the direction of Jane MacMorran, US National Scottish Fiddling Champion.

Mac Puckett & The Good Company Band

The Good Company Band, led by bluegrass veteran Mac Puckett, was formed in early 2003 and has quickly gained a following, playing numerous local dates, as well as broadcasting live on the radio at WMTN (Morristown TN), WGOC (Bristol TN) and WDVX (Knoxville TN). The band has also performed in Nashville and in the Midwest. Members include Mac Puckett (guitar & vocals), Anthony Bales (mandolin & vocals), and Daniel Bussell (acoustic bass). A CD, Company's Comin,' was released in 2004. www.goodcompanyband.com