Today, the Triangle is home to some of the finest pickers and singers in bluegrass, including IIIrd Tyme Out's Steve Dilling and Jim Mills of Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, as well as a good complement of bands, including New Vintage, the Grass Cats, Al Batten and the Bluegrass Experience, the Shady Grove Band and the Red Clay Ramblers. On the country circuit, the Triangle hosts national acts at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre and other venues, while bluegrass festivals, programming organizations and specialized radio shows provide institutional support for bluegrass and progressive country artists. With choices that range from single acts to smorgasbord-style package shows, it should be easy to find good music suited to your taste and your wallet. If you can't get out to the arenas and clubs, you can tune in to bluegrass, old-time and country music on several of the area's radio stations. If your tastes run to country's top hitmakers, sooner or later you'll visit this 20,000-capacity outdoor amphitheater.
Prices range from steep for seats under the roof, to moderate for lawn passes.
Shows go on rain or shine, so if you're planning on a casual evening under the stars, check the weather report before leaving home. Since opening in late October, this 20,000-seat arena has featured the Judds as its only country show. Remain hopeful that more country acts will play in the ESA, which is the most comfortable venue of its size in the area. A private club, the Silver Saddle opened in 1999 and offers a good mix of country acts that range from veterans, such as the Bellamy Brothers and John Conlee, to such rising stars as Brad Paisley and Gary Allan. The country side, with a capacity of 2,000, features a hardwood dance floor, and lessons are available during the week.