By any measure, the Claire Lynch Band is high on the bluegrass world's A-List, with musicians whose accolades include International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Female Vocalist of the Year and two Grammy nominations for Best Bluegrass Album (Claire); two IBMA Guitar Player of the Year awards (Jim Hurst); and two IBMA Bass Player of the Year awards (Mark Schatz).

Their music turned people on and trail blazed the way for other successful string bands to follow their lead. The reshaped band will elaborate on their trademark sound by drawing upon their personal musical rapport to make a sonic hue that refracts their inspirations and love of Southern American, gospel, blues, punk, and folk music.

For years, Carl Jones and Beverly Smith have appeared on the traditional music scene -- at festivals, on record, at contests and dances, in various bands and formations, playing just about anything with strings or tossing in vocal harmonies.

Gold Rush, together since 2001, features some of the region's best bluegrass musicians. Their on-the-money instrumentals and tight harmony singing have made them favorites at concerts, festivals, and private parties throughout North Georgia, including Bear on the Square.

Curtis Jones, who is now a Dahlonega resident and who has performed frequently at local venues, has traveled the world for the past 15 years performing his original music and amazing crowds with his phenomenal guitar playing.

It all started in Athens, Ga., in 2001 during a most peculiar spell when just a handful of  bluegrass bands circulated the town.  The Packway Handle Band emerged from this small scene, finding national acclaim first as finalists at the Telluride bluegrass competition in 2002 and 2003.

The Solstice Sisters are Maggie Hunter, Susan Staley, and Anna Durden -- three women harmonizing old time country ballads, traditional folk and '40s styled swing. They are known not only for their lovely three-part harmonies, but also for their spontaneous and energetic live shows.

The Dappled Grays are considered "Atlanta's Bluegrass Band" with many accomplishments over the past five years. These include being named Best Bluegrass Band in Atlanta by Creative Loafing Magazine, being featured in Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, and having several original

Joe Matteson and Jim White are The Buzzard Mountain Boys. These guys play an amusing selection of brother duet and old-time music that will warm your heart and take you back to the days of the traveling minstrels.