Dry Branch Fire Squad (T/F/S/S)
2026 Lineup | 2026 Lineup List | Past Years: 2025 Lineup | 2024 Lineup | 2023 Lineup
From the beginning of Grey Fox (and Winter Hawk), Dry Branch Fire Squad has served as the Host Band. It is an honor that the band cherishes. Noted for its aggressively traditional bluegrass music, the band adheres to the mountain culture of its predecessors, many of which the band has brought to High Mountain Hay Fever in person over the years.
DBFS works together like a well-oiled machine relying on the music and ideas it has brought to the stage over its 50 years in business. The band is known for its respected humor as well as its many recordings, a movie, performing at more than 100 individual festivals (some many times over) in both the U.S. and other countries, and its true affection for the fans that the band has accumulated over the years.
“Ron Thomason is a National Treasure.”
“It’s a matter of receptiveness, of openness to a tradition…(they) show sensitivity and respect for the people who “made” this music…(The music) is beautiful but there is another side to this band that must be experienced in the flesh: humor…I’ve seen full barrooms grow so quiet I could hear the soda fizz in my glass. And I’ve seen audiences so convulsed with laughter that minutes had to pass before the show could go on.”
“Simply put, this is the best live band playing today…each time I was moved not only to laughter, but tears and joy as well. Every time.”