Billy Strings is set to bring a unique blend of music to his inaugural Ionia Freak Fair in Ionia, Michigan on August 28th and 29th. The guitarist has announced a metal stage that will feature hardcore heroes Bane, death metal veterans Cryptopsy, and more. The “Pyramid Scheme Pinball and Metal Tent” will also include For the Fallen Dreams, Flesh and Blood Robot, Heartsick, and See You Next Tuesday across the two-day fest.
The metal stage is a notable addition to the festival, which will also feature a main stage with a focus on bluegrass music. Billy Strings will headline both nights, along with other notable acts such as Greensky Bluegrass, Sierra Hull, Leftover Salmon, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, Lindsay Lou, and Full Cord.
Billy Strings posted a message on Instagram alongside the lineup poster for the metal stage, expressing his excitement about the addition of the metal stage to the festival. He mentioned that he has been dying to announce the lineup and that he personally curated it with the help of his team and the good folks at the Pyramid Scheme. He also mentioned that the bands featured on the metal stage are ones that he has loved for years and some of them are dear friends of his that he used to play shows with 20 years ago.
Billy Strings is no stranger to the metal world, having collaborated with heavy acts in the past. Last year, he added a guitar solo to Cryptopsy’s single “Blasphemy Made Fresh,” saying at the time, “Contributing to a Cryptopsy track is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done in my life.” He also joined Tool onstage in 2023 for a performance of “Jambi” in Salt Lake City.
In other news, Billy Strings broke his leg skateboarding backstage in April and had to postpone a number of tour dates. He ended up tacking them on to his upcoming summer US tour. On top of that, he has a fall US tour on the books as well.
The lineup for the “Pyramid Scheme Pinball and Metal Tent” at Billy Strings’ Ionia Freak Fair has been announced, featuring a diverse range of metal bands. The festival promises to be an exciting event, with a unique blend of music and entertainment. With the addition of the metal stage, Billy Strings is set to bring a new level of excitement to the festival, and fans of both bluegrass and metal music are sure to be thrilled. The Ionia Freak Fair is set to take place on August 28th and 29th in Ionia, Michigan, and tickets are available now.
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