Your Guide to The Winter Ramble

This inaugural three-day celebration showcases the rich tapestry of Appalachian roots music—from old-time string bands and bluegrass to gospel, fiddle tunes, folk ballads, and country blues—performed in intimate settings where you can truly feel the music in your bones. Events unfold across cafés, breweries, wineries, and cozy stages that reflect the heart and history of the region.

Rather than a single, fenced-in festival, the Winter Ramble invites you to wander from place to place, serenaded by traditional sounds that have echoed through these mountains for generations. With a mix of free performances and ticketed shows or modest covers at the door, it’s easy to create your own perfect weekend soundtrack.

Naturally, one of the most exciting parts of the Winter Ramble is the music lineup — a blend of talented artists rooted in mountain tradition and modern interpretation. See who’s performing:

• Old Sap — A modern-day songster exploring the long tradition of Americana, blending folk, blues, country, jazz, rock, and indie with a deep respect for banjo history.

• 81 Drifters — A mountain-bred string band weaving swing, old-time, and bluegrass with raw, heartfelt songwriting inspired by life along Highway 81.

• Josh Goforth — Acclaimed Appalachian fiddler, guitarist, and storyteller whose music carries generations of mountain tradition and personal narrative.

• Maggie Valley Band — Sisters Whitney and Caroline Miller fuse bluegrass roots with country, indie, and rock, creating a sound that’s both grounded and boldly contemporary.

• Letters to Abigail — A Western North Carolina acoustic trio delivering intimate Americana and folk songs that feel like a beautifully kept secret.

• Holler Choir — Asheville-based string band blending old-time Appalachian sounds with pop sensibility, driven by poetic songwriting and haunting harmonies.

• Pretty Little Goat — Grassroots old-time and bluegrass music rooted deeply in local mountain tradition, played with joy, grit, and authenticity.

• Taylor Corum — A Knoxville-based country and bluegrass storyteller whose songs do what great country music should—tell a good story.

• Chatham Rabbits — Beloved folk and Americana duo Sarah and Austin McCombie, known for rich harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and magnetic live performances.

• Underhill Rose — A harmony-driven folk and bluegrass trio celebrated for soulful lyrics, striking stage presence, and timeless acoustic sound.

• The Finkelstein Three — A progressive bluegrass trio from Cleveland County, NC, delivering high-energy string band music with virtuosic playing and tight vocals.

• Amanda Anne Platt & the Honeycutters — Asheville-based Americana and country outfit pairing sharp wit with deeply human storytelling and roots-rock flair.

• Unspoken Tradition — North Carolina quintet channeling impassioned, nostalgic bluegrass that honors tradition while pushing it forward.

• Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth — Two Appalachian music icons joining forces to share old-time, bluegrass, and folk songs steeped in mountain heritage.

• Admiral Radio — Award-winning folk/Americana duo from South Carolina blending old-time influences with thoughtful songwriting and warm harmonies.

• Trey Hensley — GRAMMY-winning guitarist and singer-songwriter, a two-time IBMA Guitar Player of the Year and one of bluegrass’s most electrifying talents.

• Reedy River String Band — Greenville, SC trio mixing bluegrass and newgrass with rich three-part harmonies and fresh original material.

• The Greenliners — Asheville-based progressive bluegrass band featuring dynamic instrumentation, inventive arrangements, and high-octane energy.

• Shiner Parks — Greenville, SC singer-songwriter delivering country, blues, and Southern rock with grit, soul, and sincerity.

• Apple Country String Band — Hendersonville favorites blending bluegrass, folk, blues, rock, and Americana into a lively, community-rooted sound.

• Nikki Talley & Jason Sharp — Folk and old-time duo whose heartfelt songwriting reflects years on the road and a deep connection to home and family.

• Ryan Taylor Price — Hendersonville-based singer-songwriter drawing from folk, blues, country, and Americana with honest, stripped-down storytelling.

• A Different Thread — Transatlantic Americana duo formed on the streets of Ireland, weaving UK and US folk traditions into a richly textured sound.

• Darren Nicholson — Award-winning mandolinist, vocalist, and songwriter from Western North Carolina, known for masterful musicianship and deep bluegrass roots.

The Winter Ramble isn’t just an event — it’s an invitation to connect with Hendersonville and each other in meaningful ways:

• Plan your Ramble. Build your own Winter Ramble itinerary using the festival schedule on the Winter Ramble website, making it easy to map out must-see performances and discover new favorites along the way.

• Arrive early Friday and let the music guide your evening from one venue to the next.

• Savor local food & drink. Between sets, enjoy Hendersonville’s restaurants, breweries, cafés, and tasting rooms — comforts that feel as warm as the music you’re hearing.

• Explore beyond the music. Wander downtown galleries, stroll historic streets, or pop into local shops to take a piece of the weekend home with you.

• Extend your stay. Whether you’re sharing brunch on Sunday or taking a quiet morning walk before heading out, make time to breathe in the mountain air and the joy of community gathered in song.

With music spread throughout Henderson County, planning your weekend is part of the fun:

• Build your own itinerary. Visit the official schedule and choose performances that speak to you.
• Mix and match venues. Wander between breweries, restaurants, and tasting rooms — each stop adds a note to your weekend score.
• Know the access. Some shows are free, while others may require tickets or a cover; check venue info ahead of time so you can plan with ease.
• Layer in workshops and jams. Look for opportunities to learn or join in — many stops will include workshops, informal sessions, and chances to connect with musicians beyond the main performances.

If there’s ever a reason to linger in Hendersonville, The Winter Ramble is it. With performances spanning the town and county, having a comfortable home base keeps your weekend flowing:

• Bed & Breakfasts & Inns bring thoughtful design and cozy atmospheres, setting the scene for late-night music talk, quiet mornings, and reflection before heading out to the next performance.

• Hotels & Motels offer convenient, some walkable access to downtown venues, making it easy to slip from one show to the next and still have a comfortable place to recharge between sets.

• Vacation Rentals & Cabins provide room to spread out, gather with friends or family, and settle into the weekend at your own pace—perfect for turning the festival into a true winter getaway.