Fans of Chatham County Line – headliners for this Saturday's season opening concert in the Wildflower Pavilion – seem to be everywhere these days...

Critical taste-maker Pitchfork writes: "This music isn't a product of its era, but nor is it married to a bygone one. It's essentially timeless…” Rock superstars Mike Mills & Peter Buck of R.E.M. were front row for Chatham County Line's entire SXSW set, even asking the band for autographs after the show. Most recently the band was nominated for a Norwegian Grammy (Spelleman Award) for their collaboration with Norwegian legend Jonas Fjeld.

The North Carolina bluegrass quartet wowed the 2004 RockyGrass band contest judges and returned for 2 more memorable RockyGrass performances in 2005 and 2008 (including this encore set by the festival entrance). Quite simply: when this band starts to sway and sing around a single microphone there's nowhere we'd rather be.

We'll kick off this opening night of music with the progressive stringband MilkDrive from Austin, TX. The Austin-American Statesman calls these former members of South Austin Jug Band (and a former RockyGrass mandolin champion) "brilliant redneck gypsy jazzmen." (Here's a video)

Tickets are available now at shop.bluegrass.com, 303-823-0848, or in-person at the Stone Cup in Lyons. As always, we'll light the bonfire by the river at 7pm (weather permitting). Reserve your seat inside, grab a New Belgium beer or wine from the indoor Wildflower bar, then join fellow festivarians around the the bonfire 'til the music start at 8pm.

Bluegrass accented by alt-country...... Chatham County Line with special guests MilkDrive Saturday, March 27, 8:00pm $15 advance / $17 door [ buy tickets ]

Bluegrass and classic jazz from Dr. Banjo... Pete Wernick & Flexigrass and Long Road Home Friday, April 9, 8:00pm $15 advance / $17 door [ buy tickets ]

From progressive bluegrass to outlaw country... Head for the Hills and Town Mountain Friday, April 16, 8:00pm $12 advance / $15 door [ buy tickets ]

A sweet & soulful marriage of harmonies... Anne & Pete Sibley with very special guests Friday, May 14, 8:00pm $15 advance / $17 door [ buy tickets ]