Bluegrass icon Junior Sisk will headline Salem’s annual Pickin’ In The Park concert for the fifth consecutive year on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Longwood Park Amphitheater.
The free outdoor event, presented by Salem Parks and Recreation and sponsored by Skyline National Bank, Renewal by Andersen and Pepsi, begins at 5:30 p.m. and features a full lineup of live music, food trucks and family activities.
Joining Sisk on stage are Wound Tight, a regional favorite, and newcomer Olivia Jo, a native of Stuart, making her Pickin’ In The Park debut.
Sisk, a Ferrum native known for his commitment to traditional bluegrass, performs alongside an accomplished band that includes Heather Berry-Mabe, Tony Mabe, Curt Love and Jonathan Dillon. When not touring with Sisk, the four perform together as the Red Camel Collective.
In recent years, Sisk’s accolades have included Album of the Year for Load The Wagon and Song of the Year for “Just Load The Wagon” from the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America in 2022. He was also named Male Vocalist of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2013 and 2017.
Opening the concert at 5:30 p.m., Olivia Jo brings lifelong musical experience to the stage. By age 12, she had already released two albums. Her single “High Sierras” features background vocals by bluegrass star Rhonda Vincent. Wound Tight will follow at 6:30 p.m., with Junior Sisk closing the night beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food trucks scheduled to be on site include Bootleg BBQ, Dale’s Diner, The Tailgate, Wicked Lemon, and Sweet Surrender Ice Cream. Outside food is permitted, but no outside alcohol is allowed. Adult beverages will be available for purchase from on-site vendors.
Children’s games will be available, but pets are not permitted at the event.
-The Salem Times-Register
