"The Great Lakes region is especially important because of the vast fresh water supply that it provides. As Lake Michigan’s neighbor, we have an increased responsibility to be mindful of our actions and how they affect our environment and water. It’s crucial that being good citizens of the land is taught within the family and brought to children at a young age. It’s important to teach kids the importance of being environmental responsibility." Ryan Ogburn, mandolin

Milwaukee-based, Chicken Wire Empire is a progressive bluegrass band.  Its five members have spent a lifetime honing their craft, with deep roots in bluegrass, jamband, classical, and other genres.  On the first day of 2019, CWE released their sophomore album, “What Moves Mountains,” locally sourced, grown, recorded, mixed, and mastered in their home turf of Milwaukee Wisconsin.  John Hartford Memorial Festival 2019 Band Contest finalists CWE brings the foot-stomping good-times to audiences of all ages, just make sure to wear your dancing shoes.