The second to last Pickin’ in the Plaza concert of 2016 features Triangle-based bluegrass band The Outliers (8:30 p.m.), with bluegrass and gospel family band Carolina Express (6:45 p.m.). As he’s done all season, Eric Sholz will kick off the evening (5:45 p.m.).
The Outliers are a North Carolina band with a unique, soul-filled sound ranging from the most traditional bluegrass and Scotch-Irish fiddle tunes to original music played in the old ways. The band formed in 2011 and went about creating a distinctive sound that holds the tradition while creating something new and interesting. The Outliers are Stan Brown (banjo), Julie Brown (bass), Hank Bowman (guitar, vocals), Spencer Mobley (mandolin, vocals), and “Fiddlin” Al McCanless (fiddle). Always a memorable experience, a live Outliers performance is not to be missed.
Carolina Express was formed by brothers Jonah and Grayson Riddle. Jonah is 16, and Grayson is 11. Growing up in the mountains of western North Carolina, Jonah has been playing the banjo for more than four years. From the first time he picked up the instrument, he fell in love. He started out playing at church three times a week. Because he enjoys bluegrass and gospel music so much, he decided to start his own band – Jonah Riddle & Carolina Express. Jonah’s brother, Grayson, plays guitar and sings. He has been playing guitar for almost two years. From the time he was only 5 years old, he would pick the guitar at church services. Their dad, Benjie Riddle, plays the upright bass.
