Meet The Caverns: New Home of Bluegrass Underground Opening March 2018

Tickets for Opening Weekend Go On Sale December 9, 2017

PELHAM, Tenn. – The world’s newest - and oldest - performance venue arrives on March 24, 2018, as The Caverns opens with a headliner-filled weekend taping for Season VIII of the 13-time EMMY-winning PBS series Bluegrass Underground. 

Artists booked for next season’s tapings include singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, legendary bluegrass and “newgrass” artist The Sam Bush Band, breakout bluegrass band Flatt Lonesome, eclectic Americana guitar slinger Aaron Lee Tasjan, The Tim O’Brien Bluegrass Band and Cuban roots-rockers Sweet Lizzy Project, the group introduced to American audiences by Mavericks leader Raul Malo in PBS Great Performances: Havana Time Machine.

Located at the foot of Monteagle Mountain in the rolling hills of Grundy County, Tennessee, The Caverns is just 10 minutes from Exit 127 on I-24. Packages and tickets for all events go on sale Saturday, Dec. 9 at www.thecaverns.com. 

"We’re really happy to announce the grand opening of The Caverns, the forever home of Bluegrass Underground and many other special musical moments that will bring folks together in a spectacular space like no other the world over. Or under,” said Todd Mayo, Caverns owner and Bluegrass Underground creator.

As the permanent home of Bluegrass Underground, The Caverns’ annual PBS taping schedule will be more flexible, allowing for several taping weekends instead of a single once-a-year marathon, making available a broader range of artists.

PBS tapings in April and May will include Carlile, The Sam Bush Band, Flatt Lonesome, The Turnpike Troubadours, Kathy Mattea, Lettuce, The Rev. Osagyefo Sekou, Mary Gauthier and Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper. For the complete list, see below.

Other artists scheduled for The Caverns’ premiere year include John Anderson, The Del McCoury Band, Dailey & Vincent, a piano-palooza with Davina & The Vagabonds and Jason D. Williams, Sierra Hull and a special Halloween at The Caverns with Here Come the Mummies. Additional shows will be announced in the coming months.

“Visitors from within Tennessee, the rest of the United States and all over the world, will be drawn to The Caverns to experience two of Tennessee’s greatest resources: its incredible music culture and its natural beauty. They will leave touched by both,” said Commissioner Kevin Triplett, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. 

"Every aspect of the patron experience has been improved and enhanced – a streamlined ticketing process, closer parking, nicer bathrooms, more comfortable seating, better sightlines and more. And the space itself is even grander and, dare I say...‘cavier’," said Joe Lurgio, The Caverns general manager and associate producer. The Caverns is also excited to offer upgraded food and beverage concessions that will include a longtime request from patrons: beer.

The Caverns is now offering patrons two new and improved travel packages that each provide high quality Tennessee experiences. Patrons can choose between the Monteagle Mountain Package and the Chattanooga Package. The Monteagle Mountain Package provides accommodations at a historic Tennessee lodge just minutes from the venue, surrounded by great hiking, local shopping and dining options.  The Chattanooga Package provides accommodations in one of the South’s most breathtaking cities, with outdoor adventure, great restaurants and world class attractions all nearby. Both packages now include transportation to and from the venue and your very own package concierges to help get the most out of your weekend experience. 

Season VIII PBS Bluegrass Underground Tapings

March 24: Billy Strings and Sweet Lizzy Project

March 25: The Sam Bush Band and Aaron Lee Tasjan

April 20: Brandi Carlile

April 21: Kathy Mattea and The Tim O’Brien Bluegrass Band

April 22: Lettuce and The Rev. Osagyefo Sekou

May 19: Flatt Lonesome and Turnpike Troubadours

May 20: Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper and Mary Gauthier

The Caverns Presents

April 28: The Del McCoury Band with Sierra Hull

June 8: Piano-palooza with Davina & The Vagabonds and Jason D Williams

June 16:  Keller Williams

July 21: Scott Miller

Aug. 11: Mountain Heart

Sept. 8: John Anderson, Bobby Bare and James Otto

Oct. 31: Here Come The Mummies

Nov. 3: Dailey & Vincent

For more information and tickets, visit www.thecaverns.com.

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