Aila Boyd
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Bluegrass artist Junior Sisk will return to headline Salem’s annual Pickin’ in the Park concert for the sixth consecutive year when the free event takes place Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Longwood Park Amphitheater.
The concert will also feature local bands Wound Tight and Southern Rail Express.
Sisk, a Ferrum native, said this year’s performance will feature a newly assembled backing band following the departure of his longtime group, now known as Red Camel Collective.
“My longtime band, now known as Red Camel Collective, will be touring on its own starting this July, so I have put together a new bunch of talented young men to help me finish out 2026 and accompany me on my farewell tour for 2027,” Sisk said in a news release. “I’m very excited to be bringing back some old material from my catalog, and I know this is going to be fun.”
The new lineup includes Carter Lester of Glade Spring on banjo, Mason Wright of Winchester on fiddle, Gabe Hebert of Canada on upright bass and Sam Zolla of Connecticut on guitar.
Sisk has performed traditional bluegrass music for decades. His latest single, “Brand New Whippoorwill,” was released in 2026.
In 2022, Sisk’s album Load the Wagon earned Album of the Year honors from the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America, while the single “Just Load the Wagon” received Song of the Year recognition. The album also spent six months atop the bluegrass charts.
He also was named Male Vocalist of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2013 and 2017 and has received multiple IBMA awards for song and album of the year.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for the outdoor performances.
Food vendors scheduled to attend include Bootleg BBQ, Dale’s Diner, The Tailgate, Sweet Surrender Ice Cream and Star City Sips. Guests may bring outside food, but outside alcohol is prohibited. Adult beverages will be available for purchase from on-site vendors.
Children’s games will be available, but pets are not permitted.
The event is presented by the Salem Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by Skyline National Bank and Renewal by Andersen. Organizers said Pickin’ in the Park has become one of Salem’s most popular annual events.
