Acoustic Blue (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011)

Bluegrass could well be the sound of the Berkshires, and as heard on This Is Now, the latest album by old-style bluegrass quartet Acoustic Blue, the reasons are obvious. There's a laid-back, organic quality in these grooves that befits our rural oasis. It's the sound of back-porch picking parties and family sing-alongs; there's a timeless spirituality, too, to the two- and three-part harmonies and the easygoing, instrumental byplay on the group's third recording.

American Roots (2010, 2011)

Atkinson Family (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)

Honed in the iron-laden foothills of the Adirondack's Western reaches, the Atkinson Family Bluegrass Band has a sound reverberating with the traditions of Bill Monroe's music, while at the same time incorporating new grooves and new tones. This band swings and drives through Stanley Brothers-style mountain songs about life in the rural country, bitter bluegrass hollers about lost love and betrayal, gospel songs lamenting lost souls and spooky minor key murder ballads. In addition to performing a range of bluegrass standards and contemporary tunes from Del McCoury, Gillian Welch, Iris Dement and the Grateful Dead, the band churns straight ahead with its freight train rhythm pulse on a host of original songs.

Cabin Fever Band (2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)

Brian Jiguere's melodic mandolin and the lightening fast licks of Harry Ralph's fiddle join forces with Mike Tirella's jackhammer rhythm guitar and Bill Lewis' hard driving bass to produce the unique sound and energy that is Cabin Fever Bluegrass. Both Brian and Dr. Mike provide lead and harmony vocals and with Harry adding the third part, they produce some of the finest vocal blends around. With their wealth of original material and their unique version of time-tested traditionals, Cabin Fever Bluegrass delivers crowd pleasing performances with music that stirs emotions and songs that touch the heart.

Cedar Ridge (2004, 2005, 2010, 2011)

This year (2010) Cedar Ridge celebrates 20 years of performing Bluegrass music throughout New York, Pennsylvania, and New England. Their repertoire consists of a versatile blend of traditional, contemporary, original, and gospel songs presented in a well polished stage show laced with seasoned humor.

Dave Nichols (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011)

Dave Nichols & Spare Change is a North Country favorite comprised of seasoned musicians from the United States and Canada. Dave is noted for not only his fun and friendly stage antics, but as the organizer and provider of various instrument workshops. Dave Nichols is known nationally as a master inlay artist and instrument maker, but he also loves to play bluegrass music. He and his partner Nadine Nelson spend the summer weekends on the road playing festival after festival. The band consists of Dave on the mandolin, Nadine on bass, Gary Greenland on banjo, and Mike O'Reilly on guitar. Dave Nichols & Custom Pearl Inlay donate a Bristol Blue Ridge Flat Top Guitar to the Upper Hudson Bluegrass Festival. This guitar will be raffled off to benefit our festival. Look for and visit with Dave and Nadine while they are selling tickets during our festival.

Gold Wing Express (2006, 2007, 2011)

HoneyGrass (2010, 2011)

If you like harmony, you'll love HoneyGrass! That is the motto of one of the hottest new acts to come out of Ontario in recent years. In addition to offering a comedic element to their shows, HoneyGrass at once have a respect for tradition and a willingness to explore new areas of contemporary bluegrass. Their highly energetic and entertaining shows strike a balance between originals, traditional and contemporary bluegrass, and "bluegrassified" old country and bluesy numbers. They resist being pegged into any specific area of the genre, preferring to forge their own identity.

James King Band (2008, 2010, 2011)

The group was named emerging artists of the year by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) in 1997. 1998's Bed by the Window was the recording debut of the James King Band, and its gripping, bittersweet title track was nominated for IBMA's 1999 song of the year award. King is also a member of the bluegrass supergroup Longview, along with Connell, Don Rigsby, Joe Mullins, Glen Duncan and Marshall Wilborn. Their self-titled 1997 debut was named recorded event of the year by the IBMA.

Remington Ryde (2010, 2011)

Emerging as one of the hottest bluegrass bands from Central Pennsylvania is Remington Ryde. The band was formed in November of 2002 with the sole purpose of promoting bluegrass music throughout the state. They continue to grow in popularity, winning over crowds throughout the country. They have released four full length albums and one single, "I'll Wait for You," that has been played by bluegrass radio stations throughout the country including Sirius Bluegrass.

Rivergrass (2005, 2006, 2011)

Rivergrass is comprised of five individuals who hail from the Thousand Islands Region in and around the Saint Lawrence River. Dick Bartlett heads up the group with lead vocals and harmony, playing the guitar and mandolin. Maureen sings lead and harmony. Ernie plays mandolin and guitar and sings lead. Buddy is on banjo and Nick plays the upright bass. The group performs old time bluegrass, country and gospel.

Smokey Greene (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010,2011)

A legend in the northeast, Smokey has endeared himself to bluegrass and country music lovers for over 50 years. He is a walking anthology of country music, living his slogan, "Keep the country in Country Music." Few solo acts can hold a crowd's attention the way Smokey can. When Smokey sings, he will have you crying one minute and laughing the next. Smokey has appeared with hundreds of performers over the years including, Yodeling Slim Clark, Earnest Tubb, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and our own Don Hudson.