Our Sycamore Song Circle is a partially-curated, partially open mic song circle down by the creek, unplugged in the shade of the giant sycamore tree. We will have some invited seats and a “pilgrim chair” for folks who signed up in advance, first come first serve. Last year's inaugural round-robin was a rousing success, despite discovering that 1) we're on a Dulles Airport flight path and 2) that there seem to be a lot of flights on Saturday afternoons. To address that, this year's circle will be “lightly amplified” but otherwise retain its intimate charm. We are thrilled to welcome uber-talented Mountville favorite Lynn Hollyfield hosting the round (and she'll have copies of her brand new record Diving In). 

This year Sycamore also showcases three regional artists;

• Piper Stewart, one of the bright shining lights among our local emerging songwriters
• Mike French representing our underwriters at Man on a Line Music and Frederick Acoustic Music Exchange, and described by FAME's director as “our local version of Woody Guthrie”
• Scott van Gorden, creative force and singer/songwriter behind the Americana project Now Ghosts

We'll also have a handful of open mic guests to share a song during a round. It's a delightful and intimate experience in the style of a Nashville “guitar pull”. Magic will be happening beneath that mighty tree on the bank of the creek, and we hope you'll join us - listeners and enthusiasts too! Gates open at noon; be there early and be settled in when the first notes fl

There are never enough slots in our Main Stage lineup for all the talented artists we'd love to have play. While we have a good core of die-hard musicians and listeners for a lively Moonshine jam of old time tunes as well as a Songwriter Circle each night, we want you to hear a few more songs from aspiring songwriters as well as musicians who come for the day but can't be here for the late night mischief. And we want to do it without increasing the burden on our already stretched Production Crew at the main stage!

Gates reopen at noon Saturday, and the Sycamore Song Circle will run from 1 to 2:30 pm. The Main Stage will resume line checks at 2:30 for the 3pm concert. For those 90 minutes or so, magic will be happening beneath that mighty sycamore on the bank of the creek, and we hope you'll join us - listeners and enthusiasts too!