The Riley Gilbreath Band at the 2026 Marshall Bluegrass Festival – photo © Bill Warren
The wildfire smoke cleared away and the bluegrass music got into full swing on Thursday at the 2026 Marshall Bluegrass Festival. Promoters Jeremie Cole and Alexus Ross introduced their freshly minted non-profit – Bluegrass for Communities Foundation. The foundation will raise money for needy folks in the area.
Dale Perry and Donnie Carver are handling the sound responsibilities. They are two of the best.
Foxtail Grass opened the stage show, a family band from Ohio. The Fox family has been a part of Ohio bluegrass for many years.
Harbourtown is the host band and played their only set of the weekend.
The Edgar Loudermilk band is on tap for two days. They will play again Friday.
Larry Efaw & the Bluegrass Mountaineers are a band that harkens back to the mountain sounds of the Stanley Brothers.
Riley Gilbreath is a youngster from Texas that is beginning to make his mark in the bluegrass world. See him if he is in your area. Riley will play again Saturday.
Charlotte Bluegrass Festival promoter Wes Pettinger and Keith Wallen paid tribute to their band of some 30 years ago – High Tymes. They were joined by Jennifer and Tony Zapolnik and Ryan Wallen to round out the band. They really brought back some memories.
Rising west-Michigan country singer, Tyler Gitchel, closed out the day with a lively set of music that had the dance floor rocking.
One of this festival’s fun activities will happen Saturday. The band scramble always draws the crowd out early.
The Marshall All-Stars will close out the festival on Saturday. Come out and see the shenanigans led by Bo Isaac!
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