PUNCH BROTHERS

FEATURING CHRIS THILE

From the famed Grammy Award-winning bluegrass group Nickel Creek, mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile’s latest musical venture, Punch Brothers, has been described as bluegrass instrumentation and spontaneity within the limits of modern classical music. For video of this artist, click here.

THE HITMEN OF MUSIC ROW

What do you get when you take four guys, 39 #1 songs, more than 150 million records sold, numerous awards and long lasting friendships? You get The Hitmen of Music Row. Bob DiPiero, Tony Mullins, Jeffrey Steele and Craig Wiseman have been writing hits and shaping the face of country music for nearly 25 years. For video of this artist, click here.

JD CROWE

AND THE NEW SOUTH

J.D. Crowe and the New South are one of the most influential bluegrass groups of the past 30 years, combining a visionary sound with a rich past and a wide-open future. From the 1975 classic J.D. Crowe and the New South, to their newest project, 2006’s Lefty’s Old Guitar (2007 IBMA Album of the Year), frontman Crowe has led an array of brilliant musicians in a mission to continually reinvent and update bluegrass. For video of this artist, click here.

BIG BAND BASH XVI

The annual benefit concert celebrates the talents of Alabama musicians playing the classic big band tunes of the 30s, 40s and 50s. Jazz bands from area schools and around the state will showcase their musicians and the big band sound!

CALHOUN WRITERS’ CONFERENCE

Feature author to be announced

ZOPPE

AN ITALIAN FAMILY CIRCUS SINCE 1842

Zoppe, a traditional one-ring European Circus, honors the best history of the Old World Italian tradition. Join Nino the Clown and the Zoppe family on their journey to an enchanted world far from our digital age - to a world of acrobatics, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowns and lots of audience participation. Run away to a celebration of life, circus and family! For video of this artist, click here.