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Weaving together modern and traditional styles of American music, Never Come Down is a Portland, Oregon based band composed of Joe Suskind (guitar), Crystal Lariza (vocals), Lillian Sawyer (fiddle), and Kaden Hurst (mandolin). Their dedication to thoughtful songwriting and dynamic arrangements highlight polished technical skills and a commitment to listening to each other.
Formed in 2018, the band began touring extensively- steadily cultivating a passionate fan base at home in the Pacific Northwest, and eventually around the country. NCD released their first studio album “Better Late Than Never” in 2021 and their second LP “Greener Pastures” in 2024. They’ve toured internationally and have found acclaim at festivals such as Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Iceland Airwaves, John Hartford Memorial Fest, Americanafest, FreshGrass and RockyGrass. |
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You haven't seen a band quite like Skillethead who's musical style defies description but always leaves crowds wanting more. Setting roots in the high and dry Central Oregon desert, Skillethead calls forth the best of bluegrass old and new. They ground themselves firmly in the bluegrass traditions of driving fiddle tunes, layered harmonies, and single mics, all the while weaving in inspiration and originality gleaned from genres far and wide. You can expect to hear a Stanley Brothers number right alongside a stirring original or a rollicking rock cover done in Skillethead's own unique fashion. The spectrum reaches far and wide, the bluegrass universe is expanding, and Skillethead is on that ride!
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The Rosa Lees hail from the hills of sunny Southern Oregon and trace a distinct line between their music and the vision of female bluegrass pioneers such as Hazel Dickens, Alice Gerrard, Rose Maddox, and beyond.
At the forefront of their music lies an emphasis on closely blended harmonies, hard-charging rhythms, and lyrically potent songs. Their repertoire mingles elements of traditional bluegrass with traces of old-time fiddle and banjo tunes, classic country, old-world Celtic music, and gospel. They prioritize songs with meaning and a strong turn of phrase, working to fuse all these ingredients into the original songs that punctuate their sets. Audiences consistently rave about the distinct blend of their vocal harmonies and instrumental acuity, not to mention their playful on-stage demeanor. |
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Deeply rooted in the Northwest Bluegrass scene, Westbound Sky has been a hard driving, tasteful force in music since 2010. After a few years of pursuing other endeavors, the group is back in full force with dynamic arrangements, skillful instrumentation, and rock solid harmonies. Members Jake Dewhirst and Luke Dewhirst each possess prestigious awards in their respective instrument categories. Josh Adkins and Martin Stevens can be recognized in many bluegrass configurations over the years including “True North” and “Midnight 45”. Molly Dewhirst completes the group with melodic harmonies and lead vocals that blend hard driving bluegrass with a tasteful, artistic flair. You don’t want to miss this captivating, tight knit group of elite musicians.
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Daniel Ullom is a mandolinist who plays traditional bluegrass and old-time music. Ullom has been performing and teaching professionally for over a decade and has traveled extensively across the USA. During this time, he has released two albums of old-time/bluegrass music, The Swannanoa Sessions (2022) and Happy Birthday Dewey! (2024), both of which showcase his driving mandolin playing and love for fiddle tunes. Ullom has had the privilege of collaborating with luminaries such as Jake Eddy, Tatiana Hargreaves, Aaron Burdett, Riley Calcagno and Alex Genova. While he is proud to call many places home, he currently resides happily in Asheville, North Carolina. We are excited to see what Daniel comes up with for Fossil!
BENJI NAGEL & VERN JOHNSON
Benji and Vern are an acoustic duo from Central Oregon with a shared love of bluegrass and a wide musical reach. They draw on influences ranging from Doc Watson to the Moody Blues and everything in between. Their sets feature strong soulful vocals and rich adventurous dobro work. You will also see Benji with Skillethead while Vern will be gracing the lunchtime set of bluegrass on Main Street at the classic car show with his band Broken Top Bluegrass.
FOSSILGRASS
One of our favorite things to do at Fossil is put together a supergroup from the mix of workshop folks teaching at the festival. Performing just one show on Friday, you don't want to miss this cadre of veteran performers and top notch instrumentalists and vocalists that we've dubbed "Fossilgrass". Consisting of Don Share, Joe Ellingson, and Paul Elliott, this group is a total blast. They will also be the core backup group for Bluegrass Karaoke on Saturday evening. We can't wait to see what they have in store for us.
Seldom will you find a duo weaving high and lonesome sounds with such ease as Buffalo Kin. The west comes alive with their blending of traditional cowboy folk tunes and haunting original pieces.
Their music draws stylistically on the literal space of the “Old West” where they live and the sentiments of cowfolk from a bygone era. “Wild Open Country” is their first recorded effort made at home in rural Oregon. “Vaquera” is the latest EP recorded at home and it is all original music.
Their music draws stylistically on the literal space of the “Old West” where they live and the sentiments of cowfolk from a bygone era. “Wild Open Country” is their first recorded effort made at home in rural Oregon. “Vaquera” is the latest EP recorded at home and it is all original music.
NEW THIS YEAR! Anyone who has been to Fossil knows about the classic car show on the Saturday of the festival. This year we have partnered with the car event to provide music during the lunch hour on Main Street on Saturday. We have asked Brokentop Bluegrass from Bend to provide live bluegrass music.
Broken Top Bluegrass is a Central Oregon based quartet featuring Sonja Bohr (Fiddle), Vern Johnson(Bass), Garret Leon (Mandolin), and Maxx Lopez (Guitar). With a combined trifecta of traditional tunes, bluegrass, and Primordial Oozegrass; Broken Top seeks to create a new original sound intertwined with the traditions of bluegrass music
DAN ROBINSON
No Wheeler County Festival would be complete without the classic western swing sounds of Dan Robinson. We love this group every year. And if Dan's musical talent wasn't enough, he is also a talented painter who generously produces Festival artwork and posters every year. Formerly dubbed the Wheeler County Ramblers, Dan has renamed the band to honor former bass player, Gene, who passed away earlier this year.
CAROL HARLEY
Carol Harley will be hosting the “Slow Jam” Workshop, scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the shaded backyard of the Hyatt House. The workshop has become a cornerstone of the festival, beloved by beginners and seasoned musicians alike. It fosters a shared appreciation for the rich traditions of Bluegrass and Old-Time music while encouraging participants to explore their own musical creativity. Attendees often remark on the camaraderie and sense of community that the slow jam inspires, making it a highlight of the event year after year.
Jay Bowerman continually emphasizes the importance of making the festival family-oriented, offering educational workshops for all ages. Jay’s mother, Barbara, wanted the event to be FREE and funded it till her death in 2010. At the slow jam, participants will receive a spiral-bound book of songs and other useful documents.
Jay Bowerman continually emphasizes the importance of making the festival family-oriented, offering educational workshops for all ages. Jay’s mother, Barbara, wanted the event to be FREE and funded it till her death in 2010. At the slow jam, participants will receive a spiral-bound book of songs and other useful documents.