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Coming down the line to dumplin valley bluegrass festival: Tennessee bluegrass band

Updated: Nov 16, 2023

The Tennessee Bluegrass Band: A Harmonious Tale at Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival 2024


band in red
Tennessee Bluegrass Band (photo by Dan Boner)

Hey there, Dumplin Valley Gang! The Tennessee Bluegrass Band with a unique sound, which blends traditional bluegrass with elements of folk and country, is sure to captivate audiences at the 2024 Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival. Imagine a warm September breeze, the sweet scent of a freshly baled field in the air, and the sound of banjos and fiddles carrying on the wind. This is the scene that awaits you at the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival in September 2024. And the highlight? None other than the sensational Tennessee Bluegrass Band.


eclectic mix Bringing music to the Valley

Geary Allen, guitar, Dumplin Valley
Geary Allen (photo by Laci Mack)

The Tennessee Bluegrass Band is made up of a group of talented musicians with deep roots in bluegrass music. Lead singer Geary Allen ”ain’t from 'round hyere", but he has a deep appreciation for bluegrass music. He is a skilled guitarist and mandolin player, and his songwriting is both thoughtful and catchy. Geary Allen's journey in music started across the Atlantic in England, where he played alongside his family in 'The Allen Family.' His guitar skills, influenced by the legendary Doc Watson, bring a unique flavor to the Tennessee Bluegrass Band. With a voice inspired by country greats like Hank Williams, Geary's music echoes the heart of American tradition.


Anissa Burnett, bass, Dumplin Valley
Anissa Burnett (photo by Laci Mack)

Another standout member of the band is Anissa Burnett on the bass. Burnett is a captivating bass player that provides a rhythmic bluegrass groove for the whole band latch onto. Hailing from the beautiful hills of the Appalachian Mountains (pronounced apu-lacth-un) in Boone, North Carolina, Anissa is a musical force to be reckoned with. She can flow from fiddling to bass playing, Anissa's versatility knows no bounds. Her traditional yet contemporary style brings a unique flavor to the band, enriching the Tennessee Bluegrass Band’s true bluegrass sound.


Tim Laughlin, mandolin, Dumplin Valley
Tim Laughlin (photo by Laci Mack)

From the historic Crooked Road Highway in Bristol, Virginia, Tim Laughlin brings his seasoned harmonies and mandolin mastery to the Tennessee Bluegrass Band. Experience, on stage and in life, is what Tim brings to the group. His extensive touring experience paired him with names such as Larry Sparks, Big Country Bluegrass, Dale Ann Bradley, and The McPeake Brothers. His collaborations with these icons has earned him a beloved reputation in the industry.

Lincoln Hensley, banjo, Dumplin Valley
Lincoln Hensley (photo by Laci Mack)

At just 23, Lincoln Hensley is making waves in the bluegrass scene. A dedicated student of banjo legends Earl Scruggs and especially Sonny Osborne, Lincoln's playing style is a testament to his devotion to the craft. Having shared the stage with luminaries like Bobby Osborne at the Grand Ole Opry, Lincoln's banjo magic is not to be missed. Bluegrass Unlimited featured an article (written by Dan Miller) about him in December of 2022 on Lincoln’s fascinating lineage in the bluegrass family tree.

Aynsley Porchak, fiddle, Dumplin Valley
Aynsley Porchak (photo by Laci Mack)

Aynsley Porchak's journey with the fiddle began at the tender age of 9. Her love for bluegrass blossomed, leading her to the prestigious Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies program at East Tennessee State University. Aynsley's accolades include winning both the Grand Master Fiddler Championship in the US and Canada, a feat that showcases her exceptional talent. Porchak, a seasoned professional in the world of bluegrass, has officially become a valued member of ETSU's esteemed faculty. Interestingly, Porchak's initial musical endeavors didn't involve bluegrass, but she later discovered the genre, igniting a passion within her.

Together, the Tennessee Bluegrass Band creates a sound that is both fresh and familiar. They are sure to please longtime bluegrass fans with their traditional bluegrass roots, while also appealing to a wider audience with their eclectic blend of genres.


Tennessee BGB is all about Storytelling


The Tennessee Bluegrass Band has mastered the art of storytelling in the bluegrass style. They use their music to tell stories about life, love, and everything in between. At the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival, you'll have the opportunity to experience their storytelling firsthand.

Imagine this: You're sitting in the crowd at the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival, surrounded by friends and family. The Tennessee Bluegrass Band takes the stage, and the crowd erupts in cheers.The band launches into a high-energy version of a classic bluegrass song. The audience is singing along and clapping their hands. You feel the music in your soul. Then they play a slower, more reflective song. The lyrics tell a story about love, loss, and redemption. You're transported to another place and time.

The Tennessee Bluegrass Band members are masters of storytelling. They use their music to connect with their audience on a deeper level. At the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival, you'll have the opportunity to experience their storytelling firsthand.


TBGB, Dumplin Valley
TBGB on stage at Dumplin Valley (photo by Laci Mack)

Calling all bluegrass fans! Mark your calendars for the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival in Kodak, Tennessee, on September 19-21, 2024. This year's festival 24th annual festival features a stellar lineup of bluegrass artists, including the Tennessee Bluegrass Band. Get ready to tap your toes and clap your hands to the sweet sounds of bluegrass music in this beautiful setting.

Join the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Community

We're thrilled to have the Tennessee Bluegrass Band in all their glory for 2024, and we want you to be a part of this unforgettable experience. Here's what you can do:

1. Follow the Tennessee Bluegrass Band on social media: Stay up-to-date with the latest news, tour dates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the band's musical journey.

2. Join the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Facebook Page: Be a part of our vibrant online community where fellow bluegrass enthusiasts share their love for the genre. Get updates on the festival, interact with fellow fans, and stay in the loop.

3. Reserve Your Campsite for 2024: There's no better way to immerse yourself in the bluegrass experience than by camping at Dumplin Valley. Wake up to the sounds of nature and spend your days surrounded by the music you love.

4. Grab Your Weekend Passes: Don't miss out on a weekend filled with world-class bluegrass performances, camaraderie, and memories that will last a lifetime. Secure your tickets now!

So, mark your calendars for September 2024, and get ready to experience bluegrass at its finest. Join us in celebrating the music we hold dear, and let's make this festival an event to remember.

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