Our 2025 Lineup

Geraldine

Geraldine is “Good Time Old Time” - a stringband blending elements of old-time, American Folk, bluegrass, and alt-country. Humorous stories, sweet sounds, and heart-felt songs make Geraldine your new favorite original music project. Noted for award-winning songwriting and their unique take on original folk, bluegrass and old time music, Geraldine has gained a following in the Baltimore/DC metro area since forming in 2018. 

Whiskey Narrows String Band

Whiskey Narrows String Band is fortunate to be a group of friends who love making music together, and can’t wait to bring that experience to everyone. Their performances showcase a full spectrum of string band styles, from traditional bluegrass and Americana to newgrass and far-out covers. Audiences relish their mix of familiar and sometimes surprising tunes with compelling originals. While having a deep respect for traditional styles, instruments, and sounds, Whiskey Narrows String Band is passionate about providing a modern spin to acoustic performances. They incorporate thrilling improvisational jams and tasteful electronic effects, while remaining grounded in an acoustic style that is inviting and approachable. The heart of their sound is an honest and soulful vocal approach that captivates the listener with multi-part harmonies and powerful leads.

ROCKFISH

RockFish has been making music in Southern Maryland for more than two decades. Mixing bluegrass with country, rock and whatever catches the ear, RockFish makes each song its own. Current members are Ray Saunders, Chris Garrett and Gary Pape.

Cherry Blossom Special

Cherry Blossom Special is a progressive stringband based in the Washington DC area. A dynamic ensemble with feet firmly planted in bluegrass, their curiosity draws influence from jazz, classical, pop, and beyond. They explore traditional repertoire and original compositions with fresh eyes, creativity, and virtuosic instrumental prowess. The band features Nick Cameron on mandolin and vocals, Gabby Cameron on banjo, Justin Heath on guitar, Mari Carlson on Fiddle, Shelly Monroe on cello, and Greg Mulley on bass. A truly unique ensemble, each musician draws on a distinct set of influences and together they create a one of a kind sound that bridges the gap between the traditional and the experimental.

Library Jam All-Stars

These two groups formed from a monthly jam held at the Broadneck Library that has been meeting for almost 2 years. The Broadneck Library Jam is really beginner-friendly and is geared towards folks looking to learn the Bluegrass canon and play with others so if you don't only want to listen to bluegrass but want to play with a fun group, look them up!

The Overtones

The Overtones is a group of musicians that has played a combination of Old Time and Celtic music locally over the years. Our venues are Hancock's Resolution, Benson Hammond House, several farmers markers, churches and weddings. Our instruments include fiddle, banjo, guitar, flute, hammered dulcimer and mandolin. The group includes Susan Epes, Janet Airis, Karen Stroup, Joanne Murphy, and Jane Story.

Our 2025 Vendors

BBQ provided exclusively by:

GOOD TO DA BONE

Growing up in Southern Georgia, grilling and smoking is a way of life. It is something that we take pride in from start to finish. The skill of smoking and grilling requires a special technique that Grill Master, Charles Jackson, acquired from his father at an early age. The taste of our grilled or smoked meat has a succulent flavor that will make you say, “this meat is good down to da’ bone.”!

Beer provided exclusively by:

Mully’s Brewery is a family owned and operated brewing facility started by Cindy and Jason Mullikin in 2012. World Brewing Academy graduates, award winning brewers, and certifiable beer geeks are who we are! We've been proudly operating out of Prince Frederick, Maryland for over a decade.

Is Brewgrass a rain-or-shine event?
Yes! Thanks to our barn, Brewgrass is an all-weather event. However, the barn is not heated or cooled so layers might not be a bad idea.

Where is Brewgrass located?
Brewgrass takes place in our beautifully restored A-frame tobacco barn on our Glendening Nature Preserve property located at 5702 Plummer Lane, Lothian, MD 20711 (click here for direct Google Maps link). This large yet intimate space includes a performance stage and a large seating area with benches and chairs available. There is also outside picnic table seating that can be covered in the event of rain and a large yard for children and families to play and enjoy. Finally, our beautiful Butterfly Garden near the barn will be in full spring bloom during Brewgrass and worth a stroll during your visit!

What is included in the ticket price?
Each standard Brewgrass adult, non-designated driver ticket includes access to the entire music schedule, a commemorative, eco-friendly event pint cup including a ticket for a complimentary first beer, courtesy shuttle transportation, access to all event food and drink vendors, a water refilling station, various lawn games and hay bale climbing zone for children. 

Each designated driver/child ticket includes access to the entire music schedule, courtesy shuttle transportation, access to all event food and drink vendors, a water refilling station, various lawn games and hay bale climbing zone for children. No alcohol will be served to designated drivers. 

Colored wristbands will identify each ticketholder. These will be received at the event welcome table near the shuttle drop off/pick up location at Glendening.

Are children welcome?
Of course! Musical experiences are essential for people of all ages. These experiences are especially valuable for children and can potentially inspire creativity, enhance cognitive development, and foster a connection to storytelling through music. Children and families are very welcome to attend Brewgrass AND children 2 years old and under can join Brewgrass free of charge.

Are dogs welcome?
While dogs are typically welcome at Glendening Nature Preserve, we ask that you please leave the pups at home this time. Service animals are always welcome.

What do Brewgrass proceeds support?
100% of Brewgrass proceeds directly support the Friends of Jug Bay and their mission to support the preservation and conservation of Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. For example, a portion of last year’s event funds were used to purchase this Echo Meter used in summer bat surveys for monitoring the presence/absence of various bat species around the Sanctuary. 

What is the Friends of Jug Bay?
The Friends of Jug Bay (FOJB or Friends) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that was formed in 1986 to support and promote Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. The Friends receive funds from membership dues, donations, grants, fundraisers, and the sale of merchandise. Some of the projects and activities supported by these funds include research internships, summer camp scholarships, school bus transportation, stewardship projects, office and maintenance support, staff and volunteer development, scientific and educational equipment and materials, and other special projects. Learn more and become a Friend of Jug Bay today at https://jugbay.org/support/.

How does the mandatory event shuttle work?
Parking is extremely limited at Glendening Nature Preserve and is reserved for accessible parking and musicians who are lugging loads of instruments to and from the barn. All event attendees are asked to park at a nearby park and ride located at the Wrighton Road Park & Ride (click here for direct Google Maps link). It’s important to us to keep a frequent shuttle service operating throughout Brewgrass and we will be running shuttles between the park & ride and Brewgrass every 15-20 minutes. Even with the shuttle in place, carpooling is recommended. Drivers are welcome to quickly drop off passengers at the gated entrance to Glendening Nature Preserve before parking at the Park & Ride.

Is Brewgrass a packed event?
Absolutely not. We are not fans of hot, packed music festivals with limited seating and long lines. We cap Brewgrass sales to find the sweet spot of a comfortable, intimate food and music experience while also raising valuable funds for the Sanctuary. 

How many food and drink vendors will be present?
Brewgrass enjoys the support of three exclusive food vendors: one for BBQ, another for beer, and a third for dessert. Since Brewgrass is a low-key, easy-going experience limited to 200 attendees, we also limit our food and drink vendors to ensure a reasonably profitable experience for our event partners. Good to Da Bone BBQ will be serving a variety of meat and vegetarian options, Mully's Brewery will offer several beers on tap, and West River Pit is providing dozens of delicious ice cream cookie sandwiches for sale. Please note that while your first beer at Brewgrass is on us, all additional food and beverages are available for purchase.

Why did the event name change since last year?
In 2024, this event was named the Jug Bay BBQ, Bluegrass, & Beer Festival. We learned through our post-event evaluations that the word “festival” set an expectation of a larger event with potentially many food trucks and a vendor village. We realized that we needed to change our event name, and attendee expectations, to support a smaller, more relaxed music experience with limited vendors. Thus, Brewgrass was born!

What are the restroom facilities like at Brewgrass?
There are two indoor, individual, unisex bathrooms with flushing toilets and sinks. There will also be an outdoor port-o-john available as well.

Can I bring outside food or drinks to Brewgrass?
Absolutely no outside alcohol is allowed at Brewgrass and while we can’t prohibit outside food, we ask to please limit it. Our vendors are local, independent business owners who will be working hard to provide drinks and delicious BBQ and vegetarian food options for purchase. All attendees are welcome and encouraged to bring reusable water bottles to refill at our water stations.

What is the ticket refund policy?
There are no refunds for purchased tickets. This is a rain-or-shine fundraising event benefitting the Friends of Jug Bay. If you would like to transfer your ticket to another person, please contact event coordinators at jugbay@aacounty.org where these instances will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Attendees can leave and return to the event if needed but are required to re-check in at the welcome table when returning.

Can I bring my lawn/camping chair and/or blanket?
There will be benches and folding chairs available inside the barn throughout Brewgrass however, you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own chairs to settle in and get comfortable. The barn floor is an unfinished, dirt floor. We discourage laying down blankets inside the barn but welcome blankets laid out anywhere on the lawn.

Download a copy of our FAQ's here