Some music doesn’t chase trends, it carries stories. This week’s PICK26 spotlight is all about artists who keep those roots alive while pushing the sound forward. From the legendary heartbeat of reggae to the next great voice of the blues, plus alt-country storytellers and groove-heavy Southern soul, these are artists who understand where the music comes from and where it can go next.
Meet the musicians bringing deep heritage and fresh fire to the farm this summer.
HAVE YOU SECURED YOUR EARLY-BIRD TICKETS, YET?
The early believers always know. Early Bird pricing is the lowest you’ll see all year, and the forest is filling up fast. We don’t expect it to last much longer. These early prices are your chance to lock in your summer plans at the best price!
If you’re planning to be here, now’s the time.
Clinton Fearon
THE HEARTBEAT OF REGGAE
As a member of The Gladiators in 1970s Jamaica, Clinton Fearon helped build the foundation of roots reggae. His bass lines are legendary, and his voice carries the warmth and wisdom of a life spent in the groove.
WHY WE PICKED THEM
We honor the architects. Having Clinton on the farm is a blessing. We booked him because his music radiates a positivity that is contagious. You walk away from his set feeling lighter.
🎧 LISTEN ON THE PICKATHON 2026 PLAYLIST | ARTIST BIO
D.K. Harrell
THE BLUES IS ALIVE
At only 25, D.K. Harrell channels the spirit of B.B. King with eerie precision. He plays the big-band, soulful blues that feels almost extinct in the modern world. He isn’t revitalizing the genre; he’s embodying it.
WHY WE PICKED THEM
We booked him to prove a point: The Blues isn’t a museum piece. D.K. plays with a fire and authority that demands attention. He is going to be a superstar, and you’ll want to say you saw him here.
🎧 LISTEN ON THE PICKATHON 2026 PLAYLIST | ARTIST BIO
Friendship
ALT-COUNTRY FOR THE THINKING PERSON
Led by Dan Wriggins, Friendship writes songs that feel like short stories—specific, observant, and deeply human. They mix Americana instrumentation with the pacing of slowcore indie rock.
WHY WE PICKED THEM
They are a “musician’s band.” We love them because they don’t rush. In a world of short attention spans, Friendship forces you to lean in and listen to every word.
🎧 LISTEN ON THE PICKATHON 2026 PLAYLIST | ARTIST BIO
Ben Chapman
SOUTHERN GROOVE
Ben Chapman sits right at the intersection of 70s jam-band rock and country soul. It’s loose, greasy, and full of swagger. Think Little Feat or The Allman Brothers, but for 2026.
WHY WE PICKED THEM
We need the groove. We booked Ben because his band is a well-oiled machine. It’s perfect afternoon music—cold drink in hand, sun on your face, head nodding to the beat.
🎧 LISTEN ON THE PICKATHON 2026 PLAYLIST | ARTIST BIO
DUG
THE TRANS-ATLANTIC PUB SESSION
DUG is the meeting point between American Old Time and Irish Folk. The duo features Lorkin O’Reilly (from Dublin) and Jonny Pickett (from California), blending the storytelling wit of Irish ballads with the rugged, foot-stomping rhythm of American roots music. It’s unapologetically modern folk that makes you want to hug your friends and order another round.
WHY WE PICKED THEM
We are always looking for that perfect afternoon energy—music that is warm, funny, and incredibly skilled without taking itself too seriously. We booked them because their chemistry is infectious; you feel like you’re sitting in on a private jam session between two best friends who happen to be virtuosos.
