This weekend MountainGrass continues the tradition of bringing US Bluegrass and Old-Time acts to play concerts and run workshops for fans and players of all levels across three days.

The good times fire up Friday afternoon at the Harrietville Hotel Motel from 3pm Friday with New Zealand four-piece Pipi Pickers laying down their energetic, contemporary, “full-bodied” style of bluegrass. 

Along with international acts MountainGrass showcases outstanding Australian talent.

The performers will be running instrument and other workshops for players of all levels across the weekend.

Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley headline the US acts performing at Harrietville.

Ickes has been playing bluegrass with his band Blue Highway for more than 20 years, during which time he has been named Bluegrass dobro player of the year 15 times.

From his powerful vocal interpretations of traditional and contemporary material to his jaw-dropping instrumental skills on both acoustic and electric guitar and considerable song writing talents.

Trey Hensley is bursting at the seams with freshness and musical excitement.

This unique collaborative effort between two uniquely gifted musicians is a revelation to traditional music fans.

Grammy and IBMA award-winning Mandolin master Mike Compton’s workshop at the Feathertop Chalet on Saturday morning is expected to be well attended.

He is highly sought after as a solo artist, studio musician, band member and instructor at the annual Monroe Mandolin Camp that he co-founded.

Compton grew up hearing old-time country music, and took up the mandolin as a teenager, becoming a protégé of the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe. 

Drawn to the powerful mix of old-time fiddle stylings, blues influences and pure creativity embodied, he moved to Nashville in 1977 and quickly found work with former Monroe sideman Hubert Davis. 

Other performers include the Haywood Billy Goats featuring master fiddler Bob Herring, The Sonoran Dogs, Hamilton County Bluegrass Band, Appalachian Heaven, Bluegrass Parkway, Astro Cobalt, Cherry Pickers, Wayward Angels, The Kissin’ Cousins, Strzelecki Stringbusters and many more.