Stissing Center for Arts & Culture
2950 Church Street
Pine Plains

7:00 PM

The Dirty Grass Players honor tradition while pushing bluegrass forward. Their music blends old-time picking with inventive newgrass, soaring harmonies, and an adventurous spirit. Rooted in tradition yet boldly progressive, they balance precision with a freewheeling energy that would both confound and delight Bill Monroe.

Formed in 2015 by guitarist Ben Kolakowski and mandolinist Ryan Rogers, they gained attention after winning the 2017 Charm City Bluegrass Festival Battle of the Bands. After lineup changes, bassist Connor Murray and banjoist Sam Guthridge joined, solidifying them as a powerhouse quartet.

With two albums—Beneath the Woodpile (2020) and Shiny Side Up (2023)—they’ve become festival circuit favorites, playing Delfest, Grey Fox, and more. Shiny Side Up, produced by The Travelin’ McCourys’ Cody Kilby, pushes bluegrass forward with a dark, hard-driving sound. Bluegrass Unlimited calls it proof that “bluegrass is in good hands.”