Appalachian Festival Capstone Concert: Missy Raines and Allegheny

Celebrate the 21st annual Appalachian Festival Capstone Concert with Grammy‑nominated bluegrass icon Missy Raines, a true trailblazer of the genre. Born in Cumberland, Maryland, and raised just across the border in Short Gap, West Virginia, Raines brings a powerful homegrown legacy to the stage.

A ten‑time International Bluegrass Music Association Bass Player of the Year, Raines has earned widespread acclaim throughout her career, including IBMA honors for Recorded Event of the Year and Song of the Year. Her influence on American roots music was further recognized with her inclusion in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s “American Currents” exhibit in 2019, followed by her Grand Ole Opry debut in 2020.

Rooted in tradition yet driven by innovation, Raines’ music blends hard‑driving bluegrass with fresh musical ideas and fearless creativity. Her band, Allegheny—named for the West Virginia highlands where she grew up—showcases some of today’s most exciting young bluegrass musicians: Ben Garnett on guitar, Eli Gilbert on banjo, Ellie Hakanson on fiddle and Tristan Scroggins on mandolin.

Following the show, Chuck Dicken, WFWM-FM station director, will host a lively and interactive conversation with the artists and audience members.

The engagement of Missy Raines and Allegheny is presented in partnership with Folklore and Folklife Programming at FSU as part of the Appalachian Festival. The Offstage with WFWM series is presented in partnership with WFWM. CES is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org) and receives financial support from the Allegany Arts Council and the City of Frostburg.