06/02/2026
The Women of the York County Fiddlers Picnic!
As we look over the lineup for the 2026 York County Fiddlers Picnic, one thing stands out: women are featured in eight of our eleven bands.
What's interesting is that this wasn't something we set out to do. We didn't sit down with a quota or a checklist. We simply went looking for the best musicians, performers, songwriters, and entertainers we could find—and this is where we landed.
In some ways, that makes the result even more meaningful.
Bluegrass and old-time music have always had remarkable women who helped shape the tradition, from pioneers like Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard to today's generation of performers carrying the music forward. Fiddling in particular has seen an incredible number of talented women rise to prominence, and that influence is reflected throughout our lineup.
Artists like Becky Buller, Katelyn Casper, Erin Royer of Dark River Darling, and many others bring unique voices, perspectives, and musicianship to the stage. They're not here because they're women. They're here because they're outstanding musicians. The fact that so many of the region's best happen to be women says something encouraging about where traditional music is today.
For me personally, that's important. I've always believed that great communities are built when different voices are welcomed and valued. Music is no different. The strongest festivals, bands, and scenes are the ones that make room for everyone to contribute.
What makes me happiest is that none of this feels forced. It feels natural. These artists have earned their place through hard work, talent, and dedication to the music. We're simply proud to provide a stage where they can be heard.
On August 22 in Seven Valleys, you'll hear incredible fiddling, powerful vocals, great songwriting, and world-class musicianship. You'll hear bluegrass, old-time, folk, and acoustic music at its finest.
And yes, many of the people bringing that music to life will be women.
We think that's something worth celebrating.
