North Fork Crossing
North Fork Crossing is a new-age Bluegrass band that resides between the Traditional music world with their timeless fiddle tunes and ballads, and the Jamgrass community with their intricate improvisation and energetic peaks. With the addition of modern covers and old time country songs, they explore a vast terrain of genres. Their captivating shows are everchanging and will leave you dancing and wondering what they could possibly do next.
Founded in 2021, North Fork Crossing was formed out of a rekindled friendship formed at Montana Fiddle Camp. It has since grown into powerful five piece band. The quintet — Cade Slayden (guitar), Ryan Kelly (mandolin), Rabi Phelan (upright bass), Silas Rea (fiddle), and Matt Hickey (banjo) — are drawn to having Bluegrass reach a new generation, priding themselves on their unique sound as the evolution of string band music. They have quickly made their presence known around the West, most notably in the beautiful Gallatin Valley where they are based.
North Fork Crossing has recently released their debut, self-titled album. North Fork Crossing (2024) explores the Bozeman band’s origins, consisting of songs played live since their inception. This includes original fiddle tunes, high-paced exploratory bluegrass, and ballads focused on songwriting and precision. Although they are known for their live performances, the album is a well-rounded and
powerful introduction to the band’s studio work.
Release the Squirrels
Release the Squirrels, a dynamic bluegrass quintet from Western Montana’s rugged valleys, unleashes a sound that honors tradition while breaking new ground. Formed in 2024, this spirited ensemble blends danceable old-time originals, inventive covers of modern hits, and reimagined bluegrass classics, crafting a repertoire that captivates festival crowds, brewery patrons, and private event guests alike.
Rooted in the legacy of Bill Monroe, the Bluegrass Album Band, and John Reischman’s intricate instrumental compositions, the Squirrels infuse their music with bold arrangements and a modern edge. Their virtuosic musicianship shines through blistering flatpicking, hard-driving banjo, rocksteady
upright bass, mesmerizing fiddle melodies, and inspired mandolin runs, all woven together with rich three-part vocal harmonies. Each member’s distinct perspective creates a cohesive voice that’s both timeless and fresh.
From Montana’s bluegrass festivals to mountain venues and regional stages, Release the Squirrels is
rattling cages and winning hearts with their infectious energy and community-driven spirit.
Whether you’re a diehard picker or a first-time listener, the Squirrels deliver a performance that’s as unforgettable as a Montana skyline.
Hillbilly Fever
HillBilly Fever delivers hard-driving, traditional bluegrass straight from the mountains to the
stage. Led by banjo man Mark Krider, whose bluegrass roots run deep in the mountains of North
Carolina, the band is dedicated to preserving the authentic sound of classic bluegrass.
Mark has played banjo and guitar for over 50 years and has shared the stage with legends including
The Osborne Brothers, The Country Gentlemen, The Lewis Family, and Blue Highway.
Resonator guitarist Adam Bachman, originally from Tigerville, South Carolina and now based in
Asheville, North Carolina, brings over a decade of experience, including performances at the
historic Ryman Auditorium.
Justin Smith began playing guitar at age 12, starting in country music before discovering a deep
passion for bluegrass. Drawn to its energy, tradition, and musicianship, he expanded his talents to
include mandolin, bass, and dobro. Over the years, bluegrass has become his true musical home, and
he is dedicated to carrying on the sound and tradition of the genre through every instrument he
plays.
Bassist Anne Luna brings elegance, power, and versatility to the band. A seasoned performer and
recording artist, she has appeared on more than 20 albums with distinguished musicians such as Alan
Munde, Kenny Maines, and Amanda Shires. As a member of The Hard Road Trio, she has performed at
iconic venues and festivals including the Station Inn and MerleFest.
Mandolinist Daniel David delivers a driving Monroe-style sound shaped by years of performing with
bands along Colorado’s Front Range. Now based in Arkansas, his rhythm, precision, and deep respect
for bluegrass tradition energize every performance.
Rounding out the band is guitarist Ronnie Moretz, a Boone, North Carolina native with nearly 50
years of bluegrass experience. A lifelong friend of Mark Krider, he began playing at age 11,
inspired by Flatt & Scruggs and Doc Watson, and now hosts the Catgut ’n Jugs Bluegrass Show on
Live365 and Bell Buckle Radio.
Together, HillBilly Fever keeps the tradition alive with authentic, high-energy bluegrass music.
