A fresh take on bluegrass
DownRiver Collective brings genre-bending approach to Concord
Fresh off its debut at Merlefest, downRiver Collective brings its blend of bluegrass and other music genres to the Davis Theatre stage.
CABARRUS ARTS CALENDAR
Bluegrass is at the heart of DownRiver Collective, but the Nashville-based five-piece has no interest in staying inside the lines.
"We're a bluegrass band that does not play bluegrass music," banjo player John Gray says.
It's a fitting introduction to a group whose sound pulls from traditional bluegrass and folk while making room for country, rock, Americana and modern pop. Fresh off their MerleFest debut and an IMBA Momentum Award win, DownRiver Collective is bringing that genre-bending approach to the Davis Theatre at the Cabarrus Arts Council on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 7:30 p.m.
The band's roots began long before the five musicians came together in Nashville. Gray and his longtime friend Danny grew up singing together in a high school choir in Fairfax County, Virginia, where they performed in a quartet. After moving to Nashville to pursue music, the two began writing songs together, initially leaning toward a folk-pop sound inspired by groups like the Avett Brothers.
Then Gray discovered bluegrass at Belmont University.
"I got into the bluegrass ensemble, which is where I met all of these other fine folks," he says. "And I started getting really, really interested in bluegrass."
The ensemble became the place where Gray developed his banjo playing and where he met the musicians who would eventually become his bandmates: fiddler and vocalist Bailey Warren, mandolin player Rico Wallenda, guitarist and dobro player Jonny Therrien, and lead vocalist Ali Vance. All five members are Belmont alumni.
DownRiver Collective gradually evolved from a folk trio into the full band it is today, with Vance and Therrien joining in 2021. Around the same time, the group landed a residency playing bluegrass brunches in Nashville. The musicians built a repertoire large enough to play five-hour sets, learning along the way which songs felt best when they played them together.
The band's growth has continued through moments like their Nashville residency, festival appearances and, most recently, their debut at MerleFest. Each experience has given them another opportunity to figure out what DownRiver Collective sounds like when all five musicians are onstage together.
Today, their live set is entirely original, with songs that feel rooted in bluegrass but often follow the structures and storytelling of indie and pop music.
That evolution has also changed the way the band approaches songwriting.
Early DownRiver Collective songs sometimes began with entirely fictional characters and scenarios. One song, "Dead to Me," follows a runaway woman bent on revenge, with the story deliberately leaving open whether "dead to me" is figurative or literal.
But as the band began talking with radio DJs and hearing which songs resonated most, they realized something important: the moments that felt most authentic were often the ones rooted in their own lives.
"And we were like, 'Ohh…' That is what we should be doing," the band says.
Their newest music reflects that shift, focusing on stories and experiences they actually know. The result is music that can still be playful and imaginative, but carries a personal weight that audiences recognize.
That connection is especially evident when the band performs live.
Vance says one of the most rewarding parts of touring is getting offstage and talking with listeners about what the songs mean to them. One song, written about Vance's niece, explores the importance of being mindful of how we speak to ourselves, particularly when children are watching.
The response has been powerful.
At one festival, a woman approached the band after hearing the song "Words of Wisdom" and spent more than an hour talking about how deeply it affected her.
Those moments have become a common thread for DownRiver Collective. The band says its music often connects with listeners who see pieces of their own lives in the stories, particularly in songs about feeling restless, uncertain or dissatisfied with where you are while learning to accept the process of getting there.
"Restless Heart" is one of the songs that anchors that theme in their current set.
And while the emotional depth of the music is important to the band, so is the element of surprise.
At bluegrass festivals, DownRiver Collective sometimes finds itself wondering how audiences accustomed to traditional bluegrass will respond to its more eclectic sound. Then they meet people after the show who tell them they were dragged to the festival by a friend or spouse and "don't like bluegrass" but loved the band.
"Or even people who tend to lean more traditional that are like, 'I don't typically like this kind of music, but you guys rock,'" the band says.
That ability to reach beyond a single genre is part of what makes DownRiver Collective such an interesting fit for a bluegrass festival or a traditional music audience. Their music doesn't reject their bluegrass roots. Instead, it uses those roots as a starting point for something distinctly their own.
The band's newest release, "Paper Boy," offers another example. The song came from a piano-based idea rather than traditional bluegrass chord changes and explores the anxiety of trying to understand what to trust in a world shaped by social media, news and constant information.
At its center is a simple message: we are more alike than we think, and there is more reason to come together than to push each other apart.
That message feels particularly fitting for a band whose music has grown from five different musicians, influences and perspectives finding a common sound.
After years of building their sound through residencies, festivals and stages around the country, DownRiver Collective is continuing to find new audiences. Their Sept. 25 album release show at Nashville's Station Inn will celebrate the upcoming deluxe edition of their album, but for now, the band is focused on the road ahead, including a stop in Concord.
On Aug. 29, DownRiver Collective will bring that sound to the Davis Theatre, with plenty of harmonies and original songs.
And if their recent festival experiences are any indication, they may just win over a few people who didn’t think they liked bluegrass in the first place.
Tickets are available now at: https://www.etix.com/ ticket/p/34267108/downri-ver-collective-concord-da-vis-theatre
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This week
(Aug. 25-Aug. 31)
Onstage at the Davis Presents: DownRiver Collective-Saturday, Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m. — DownRiver Collective is an award-winning modern bluegrass band from Nashville, Tennessee. Drawing on a wide array of influences, DRC’s music reflects the passions of its members: elements of traditional bluegrass, old-time folk, and classic country can be heard alongside flavors of Americana, rock, and modern pop. The full band’s debut EP “Off the Shelf” was released in the fall of 2023 and in 2024, DownRiver Collective was named IBMA’s Momentum Band of the Year. Following a successful first outing with “Off the Shelf,” DownRiver Collective has released its first single, “Come On Back,” from its forthcoming album and has been named the 2025 FreshGrass Bentonville Awards Band winner. For tickets and more information, visit www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org or call 704-920-2787.
Community Mosaic Art Project-Monday, Aug. 31-Harrisburg Presbyterian Church is celebrating the vibrant spirit and creativity of our community — and we want you to shine! No matter your age or artistic experience, you’re invited to help bring our Community Mosaic to life. We’re building a stunning 8-by-5-foot art installation: a mosaic made of 160 unique tiles, each designed by a community member.
This is your chance to have your art become a permanent part of our community story. Use your own paints and imagination once you pick up your free tile(s). Ready to join in? Simply reserve your blank tile by scanning the QR code on the flyer or clicking the link below. Pick up your tile at the church on one of three available dates, take it home, and let your creativity run wild! Paint anything that speaks to you — every tile matters, and together, our stories will create something unforgettable. Just drop off your finished tile at Harrisburg Presbyterian Church by Aug. 31 — either in the office or in the designated drop-off box outside.
Make your mark, connect with your neighbors, and help us create something beautiful. We can’t wait to see what you’ll add to our mosaic! Key information: Where: Harrisburg Presbyterian Church, 4815 Highway 49 S., Harrisburg, NC, 28075. Dates: You can register for your tile(s) now. Tile pickup dates were Aug 1, Aug. 4, and Aug. 7 at the church. Tiles must be dropped back at the church by Aug. 31. An unveiling event is yet to be confirmed, but we are aiming for mid-September. Register here: https://bit.ly/ harrisburgart
Cabarrus Art Guild Fall Judged Art Show Registration-Now through Tuesday, Sept. 29-Registration is now open for our Cabarrus Art Guild Fall Art Show! We will have two judges for this show, for 2D and 3D prizes, as well as our new People’s Choice Award! Visit our Exhibits page to get all of the information, prospectus, registration form, payment link and guidance.
Upcoming
Art Walk on Union Fall 2026-Saturday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Gather the family and head to downtown Concord for a day of fun at Art Walk, an all-day arts festival celebrating handmade artwork from local artists and makers. Enjoy live music, food trucks, local brews and wines, and special participation from downtown shops and restaurants. Be sure to stop by The Galleries to explore our current exhibition and browse our gift shop featuring artwork from local and regional artists! For more information, visit www.Cabarrusartscouncil.org.
Autumn Glow: Capturing Light and Shadows in Acrylic-Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Designed for beginner to intermediate students, this hands-on acrylic painting class will guide you in creating the glow, depth and movement of fall foliage. Phil will demonstrate techniques for blending color, building contrast, and using light and shadow to bring your autumn scene to life. For more information, visit www.cabarru-sartguild.org.
Ongoing
The Cabarrus Art Guild’s Open Art Tuesdays — Every Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Guild welcomes visitors for firsttime visits free at weekly Open Art Tuesdays at ClearWater — in the Lower Level, “Greenway Gallery.” Enter through the double glass doors facing Kerr Street, in the Main Building. Guild members come as often as they like. Bring lunch, a project and your supplies. Sometimes a member gives a “Pop-Up” class! The Guild is a ClearWater Tenant in Lower-Level Studio LL-102. See the Cabarrus Art Guild Profile Page. For more information, visit www.clearwa-terartists.com.
Learn the Age-Old Art of Pastels — Pastel classes are offered by Regina Burchett on an individual or small-group basis. Classes are typically two hours in length, and the materials are included for the first two classes, to ensure that the student will get to experience working with pastels before they commit to an investment in materials. Individual classes are $30 per two-hour session. Note: Regina moved from her ClearWater Studio to a home studio in July 2017, so individual lessons may be given there. Group classes at ClearWater Artist Studios may be public or private (i.e., limited to a group you select). Group classes require a minimum of four students and max of 10. Age 10 and older. Contact Regina at 704-9259838 for more information. Her website is www.reginab-urchett.com.
Sip & Stitch at West Loop Local — Mondays at 6 p.m. This is an extension of our Tuesday Hooks & Books meet-up. Anyone is welcome to join, just bring your crochet or knitting project to work on. You’re welcome to purchase your own food and drink from the West Loop Local menu! We meet upstairs at West Loop Local (231 West Ave). For more information, visit www.edi-tionsbookstore.com.
Puddle Painting Workshop — Every Monday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Experience the mesmerizing art of fluid acrylic pouring in this intuitive, hands-on workshop. Choose from three canvas sizes and let your creativity flow — no experience needed! Come solo or bring a friend for fun, stress-free, painting adventure! All ages welcome. RSVP required at High Branch Brewery, McGill Avenue Northwest #100. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.tuxedokat.com.
Community Survey: Concord Public Art Commission Project — A new public art project is coming to Les Myers Park in Concord. Help guide the mural design by participating in the online survey. To fill out the survey, visit www.publicinput.com/ concordmural.
The Swanee Theatre is the place to be for moving and grooving through your week. Mark your calendars. Kannapolis Parks and Recreation is offering several dancing opportunities for all to enjoy: Mondays — free line dancing from 6-8 p.m.; Tuesdays — free dance. Walk. Party. A Fitness experience! 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Wednesdays — Shag dancing, $5 a person, 6:30-9:30 p.m.Come out to any or all of these events to make new friends and discover a healthy life in Kannapolis. No registration needed, just come join the fun. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ CityofKannapolis.
Open Mic, Spotlight Series — Every fourth Thursday from 7:309:30 p.m.Come join us for this incredible spotlight series and open mic. Sign up to share on the mic at the event. Free to the public and best coffee in town. Free; no registration required at Wired Coffee Express, 469 N. Cannon Blvd. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/guerilla. poets.founders.
After-school and Adult Art Classes in drawing, painting, pottery and sculpture. Afterschool classes from 4:306:30 p.m. and adult classes from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday, one day per week for six weeks. For more information, call 704-786-8570.
North Carolina Music Hall of Fame — The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Museum is a safe, fun and touch-free visit for your friends and family. The museum is open to the public Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch. Reserve your visit at Make A Reservation — North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis.
Open Art Day — Every Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your lunch and drink, bring a project you are working on, and your supplies. Or bring work you’d like to share and discuss. This is a working, weekly meeting each Tuesday to work with and share with artists and like-minded people who appreciate creativity. ClearWater Arts Center & Studios is at 223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord — enter through the double glass doors facing Kerr Street, called the Greenway Gallery. For more information, go to cabarru-sartguild.org.
Caffeinate with Creatives — Every Second Saturday from 10-11 a.m. The Concord area is filled with artists of all kinds, so let’s take some time to get to know each other. Join us every second Saturday for coffee and creative conversations. All artists are welcome; no registration; free; with coffee for purchase at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, 223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord. For more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com.
Plein Air with the CAG — Calling all artists. First-timers welcome. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the things you think you need; this is a very informal gathering, and your fellow artists are happy to help. Reach out to get on the mailing list for various events. Has the idea or the fun of Plein Air ever fascinated you? To explain, Plein Air is a French term meaning “denoting or in the manner of a 19th-century style of painting outdoors, or with a strong sense of the open air, that became a central feature of French impressionism.” Some famous Plein Air painters were among the most impressive painters from history, including Monet, Homer and Sargent. Within the Cabarrus Art Guild, a group of Plein air painters have banded together to enjoy the lovely North Carolina Piedmont and surrounding sites via Plein air. They have named themselves “Dusty Road Painters” and meet to explore the indoors (inclement weather) and outdoors that offer countless opportunities to express one’s artistic curiosity and passion. Have questions or interested in joining this free group of adventurous artists? Reach out to Plein Air Chair O’Lynda Walker at olynda.walker@gmail.com. Free. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Find the complete arts calendar online at independenttri-bune.com.
