Bluegrass folks do a pretty good job of looking out for their own — in this case, a mandolin player with the legendary Larry Sparks who’s been sidelined by back surgery — and benefit shows are the preferred vehicle. Top-draw titles in this lineup to benefit Jackie Kincaid go to Donna Ulisse and her band — staples of SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction, big name festivals and local venues alike, they dish up a thoroughly enjoyable blend of musical polish and down-home charm — along with the Tina Adair Band (fresh out of the studio, where they’ve recorded what promises to be a strong debut) and high-singing Rebel Records recording artist Don Rigsby and his bro. But the lineup’s got its attractions all the way down, and if you’ve ever wondered about the community that’s sustained bluegrass as a viable musical category for the past few decades, here’s a good chance to learn more from the inside out.
— Jon Weisberger