SATURDAY: 10 Must-See Artists Performing At The Laurel Cove Music Festival!
Here at Capture Kentucky, we do our best to shine a spotlight on as many Kentucky artists as we can. We do occasionally step outside the borders of our great Commonwealth, and this weekends Laurel Cove Music Festival is a prime example of why that is an exception.
The majority of the artists performing on Friday and Saturday reside here with us in Kentucky, but there are a few folks that we’re gonna make honorary Kentuckians for the weekend.
For the record, these articles have been some of the more difficult lists to put together, so hats off to Mr. Jon Grace and all the wonderful folks in Bell County for an absolutely STACKED lineup on both days.
So without further ado, here’s a quick guide to 10 artists (in no particular order) that we feel you should experience in the absolutely gorgeous Laurel Cove Amphitheater on Saturday!
10. Chelsea Nolan – I’m a sucker for an artist that is genuine, accessible and talented. That’s exactly why this list starts with Chelsea Nolan. Her stories are just as fascinating as her songs. DO. NOT. MISS. CHELSEA. NOLAN. Am I playing a favorites card here? Absolutely. Am I apologetic in any way for it? Nope. See ya at the Main Stage from 2:20-3:00 PM.
9. The Local Honeys – Bluegrass with great harmonies and an unbelievably amazing knack at songwriting. Those qualities landed the lovely ladies a deal with La Honda Records. I can’t wait to hear what they’ve been cooking up. So I’ll see you at the Main Stage from 5:45-6:30 PM.
8. John R. Miller – If you’re a fan of great songwriting, John R. Miller is worth the price of admission all by himself. His career has produced some of my personal favorite songs and they caught the ears Rounder Records as well. Let’s all hang out at the Main Stage from 7:00-8:00 PM. Unless you wanna talk, then forget I said that. Lol Seriously though, don’t talk. You’ll understand soon enough.
7. Arlo McKinley – If you’re new to Capture Kentucky, we’ve written any articles about Mr. Arlo McKinley and his band, The Lonesome Sound. He’s had our ear since 2017, and he is one of the last artists that Mr. John Prine signed to his label before his passing. Prine’s seal of approval should be all you need to understand why Arlo is a must-see on Saturday at the Main Stage from 8:30-9:30 PM. If you get lost, just head towards the choir that the crowd will become during Arlo’s set.
6. Eric Bolander – This fella here, he’s just a damn good dude. On top of that foundation, Eric has built himself up as artist, a musician, part time comedian, and probably most importantly, he’s a great Dad. I’ve had Eric on a Capture Kentucky couple shows in the past, so if you haven’t seen him live, Saturday is the perfect opportunity to right that wrong in your life. Take some tissues, sometimes the cello flares up my allergies and my eyes get watery. Be sure and catch Eric Bolander on the Main Stage from 4:20-5:10 PM.
5. Laid Back Country Picker – If you’ve never experienced a Laid Back Country Picker show, then you’re about to enjoy an artist that you never knew you needed in your life. While his Honey engages the crowd, Ole Laid Back dazzles on the guitar. His songs are timeless, and his shoes are priceless. Wear your finest pearl button shirt and dance your way over to the most fun set you’ll see on the Main Stage all weekend. The party goes from 3:20-4:00.
4. Aaron Boyd – Many artists claim to wear their hearts on their sleeves, Aaron doesn’t make that claim and he doesn’t need to. His heart is always in plain view and that’s EXACTLY why we should all be at the Main Stage when he opens it up from 12:00-12:25.
3. Chloe Edmonstone – I’ve called Chloe the secret weapon of the Kentucky music scene. Her fiddle playing is always incredibly tasteful and never excessive. She’s the John Bonham of fiddle players. Chloe is also in the band Locust Honey, and she is very well respected, which means you really don’t know who may join her on the Campfire Stage from 5:15-5:45.
2. Walter DeBarr- Becoming an artist is a difficult thing, especially when your past includes a battle with addiction. I say that, not as a knock, but to celebrate Walter’s recovery. This young man has a voice that’s as unique as his stories. I’ve been waiting patiently to see this West Virginian perform, so let’s all meet up at the Main Stage from 1:30-2:00 and show him some love.
1a. Cole Chaney – Just trust me on this one. Cole is a new artist and he’s not on this list because I am a huge fan, he’s on this list because you should be too. Don’t believe me? Meet me at the Campfire Stage from 9:30-10:00 PM. If you don’t walk away a fan, I’ll buy ya an ice cold Coke for your troubles.
1b. – Roger Combs – Roger won’t be performing, but you can bet your bottom dollar he’ll be dancing with all the pretty ladies. This Kentucky Colonel is as big of a draw as anyone on these lists. That big beautiful smile and the absolute best taste in music make Roger a hero to many. Myself included!!
Folks will always know the headliners like Lost Dog Street Band, so their inclusion on this list seemed unnecessary, as it also allowed me to shine a little light on another Kentucky act.
You can find our Friday recommendations here.
Listen, you’re not going to go wrong catching any set at the Laurel Cove Music Festival. Jon Grace has the ear and the discretion to put together a stellar lineup from top to bottom. So get there early, enjoy the Kentucky vendors and prepare yourself to immerse deeply into the vast amount of talent that call Kentucky home. See ya there!!
