Virginia Arts Festival

Steep Canyon Rangers

Hampton Roads(Williamsburg) native Bruce Hornsby first captivated music lovers worldwide in 1986 with his iconic hit “The Way It Is.” Renowned for his masterful songwriting, virtuosic piano work, and fearless exploration across rock, folk, jazz, and classical traditions, Hornsby has built a career defined by evolution and collaboration. He has worked with an extraordinary range of artists, including Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, and Ricky Skaggs.

In concert, Hornsby’s songs stretch and transform in real time, shaped by bold improvisation, shifting rhythms, and intuitive interplay with his band, The Noisemakers, who build a richly layered sound around his piano as the anchor. This performance will span highlights from throughout his storied career and feature new music from his forthcoming album Indigo Park, arriving April 3, 2026. Don’t miss this electrifying evening of inspired musicianship, inventive improvisation, and hometown pride.

Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers

Christopher Newport University

Steep Canyon Rangers bring their celebrated blend of traditional bluegrass and contemporary acoustic Americana to the Virginia Arts Festival’s Perry Pavilion, in an evening co-presented with North Shore Point, on May 14 at 7:30 PM.

Hailing from the Appalachian and Piedmont regions of North Carolina, the Rangers, with over 15 albums, have forged a career honoring mountain music while reaching out to encompass literary roots, regional influences, and even jam grass, as well as their collaborations with that banjo-playing youngster, Steve Martin, who appears on their latest single.

Renowned for their virtuoso playing, soaring harmonies, and emotionally resonant storytelling, the band has attracted fans beyond the bluegrass world, establishing itself as one of the most influential groups in Americana today. With the addition of award-winning singer-songwriter Aaron Burdett, their sound carries an even deeper sense of soul and immediacy — music that can be tender, fiery, and unforgettable.

Join us at the Perry Pavilion for the three-time Grammy nominees and Grammy Award winners for Best Bluegrass Album whose artistry continues to shape American roots music.