Backline Bluegrass Band

LABOR DAY WEEKEND AT HIGHLANDS RIVERBEND
Sept 5
We have an important update to our Labor Day plans. Due to changes with the county, The Woodfired Grill will unfortunately not be joining us, and we will not be having our previously planned second band.
While our original plans have changed, we have been keeping something pretty special a little quiet, and we are incredibly excited to finally share it!
BACKLINE BLUEGRASS IS COMING TO HIGHLANDS RIVERBEND!
At 4:00 PM, Highlands Riverbend Venue will welcome Backline for a FREE PUBLIC BLUEGRASS CONCERT, and we want Macon County to know exactly what kind of talent is coming to our little venue.
Backline is an award winning South Carolina based bluegrass band founded in 2016 and led by vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Katelyn Ingardia. Their music combines traditional bluegrass, original songwriting and a fresh sound while staying true to the roots of Appalachian music.
Their accomplishments speak for themselves.
Backline won the 2017 RenoFest State Bluegrass Band Competition and the 2019 Lil John’s Mountain Music Band Competition.
In 2024, they won the Blue Highway Fest Rising Stars Challenge, which led to the opportunity to record with Grammy nominated Blue Highway cofounder Wayne Taylor, who produced their single Cold Wind.
Backline has performed live from WNCW’s Studio B and has been featured on Goin’ Across the Mountain. Their song Soldier’s Wife was selected for WNCW’s Goin’ Across the Mountain Volume 5 compilation alongside respected bluegrass artists including Becky Buller, Sideline, Fireside Collective and Unspoken Tradition.
They have shared event lineups with nationally recognized artists, including Grammy Award winning The Travelin’ McCourys, and are signed with respected bluegrass label Mountain Fever Records. Their newest album, Turning New Ground, was released in July 2026.
This is award winning bluegrass coming right here to Franklin, North Carolina, and we are opening our venue so our community can experience it.
BACKLINE BLUEGRASS
4:00 PM to approximately 6:00 PM
Highlands Riverbend Venue
4450 Highlands Road
Franklin, NC
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Guests may begin arriving at 3:00 PM. Backline will take the stage at 4:00 PM, with the concert scheduled to conclude around 6:00 PM, giving our guests and campers time to enjoy and support the other Macon County Labor Day events happening that evening.
And if Macon County calls for an encore, we might just have to let the music play a little longer!
Bring your lawn chairs. Parking will be available in the designated fields. Please follow parking directions and DO NOT ENTER THE CAMPGROUND AREA.
There is no admission charge. Donations are welcomed, with a suggested donation of $10 to $20 per person.
Your donations help us continue bringing talented musicians to Highlands Riverbend whose music represents the traditions, stories and sounds of our Appalachian culture.
PLEASE REMEMBER OUR STRICT 5 MPH SPEED LIMIT.
Our campers, four legged guests and small kiddos are our priority. Anyone not abiding by the 5 MPH speed limit will be asked to leave the property.
Macon County, bring your lawn chairs, help us fill Highlands Riverbend Venue and give Backline Bluegrass the welcome they deserve.
This is truly a jewel coming to our mountains. You do not want to miss it!
PLEASE SHARE AND HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1406123251377473/