Saturday, September 14th, 7:30pm
Carson’s Grove Stage
Rooted in old-time tradition, Richie Stearns‘ eclectic banjo playing defies genre. His 
innovation mixing Appalachian melodies with other cultural rhythmic and melodic styles have made him a foundational influence of today’s music scene.
He is a founding member of critically acclaimed band, The Horse Flies whose unique style blends both the traditional and modern: Americana roots with ethnic percussion, creative songwriting, and a fierce, percolating groove. Stearns has also mastered the vocal chops of a lead singer, and his solo releases prove him to be a songwriter whose lyrics stand tall next to those of any Nashville or L.A. writer. His band, Evil City String Band wows festival-goers and tavern crowds by covering old-time classics with attitude and intensity, and he has brought clawhammer banjo to new audiences by touring and recording with the likes of Natalie Merchant and Jim Lauderdale. His recent collaboration with fiddler Rosie Newton, shows how he continues to find ways to keep old-time both rooted and fresh.
Richie’s playing has influenced a new generation of musicians, and his music inspires and reminds us of our kinship and shared human spirit.
We are honored and delighted to showcase Richie’s talents, once again, at this year’s Hoppin’ John.