Moon Mountain rises in Lincoln City

Photo by Brexi Brexifer

High-energy bluegrass and newgrass will take the stage at the Lincoln City Cultural Center this Saturday, Jan. 10, as Moon Mountain String Band brings its dynamic acoustic sound to the coast.

Based in Eugene, the seven-member ensemble is known for tightly woven harmonies, lively stage presence and a mix of traditional fiddle tunes, bluegrass standards and contemporary originals. Formed in 2022, the band has quickly built a strong regional following through performances at Pacific Northwest venues and festivals, including the Oregon Country Fair, Sam Bond’s Garage, the White Eagle and the Jazz Station.

The band recently released “Valsetz,” its second album, named for the former Boise-Cascade logging town. The recording features original songs inspired by Oregon’s history and ecology, blended with high-lonesome bluegrass and modern folk influences.

“This will be my first time inviting a band to the cultural center, and I’m thrilled that it will be Moon Mountain String Band,” said Serena Dressel, executive director of the center. “Their energy, musicianship and sense of fun feel like a perfect match for our community, and I’m really looking forward to experiencing their music live alongside our audience.”

Moon Mountain String Band members include Slug Kaltenbach on rhythm guitar and vocals, Shane Connor on lead guitar and vocals, Sarah Wilfong on fiddle and vocals, Albert Yang on mandolin and vocals, Dave Deblaker on standup bass, Dylan Plummer on banjo and Zachary Wallmark on dobro.

The concert begins at 7 pm at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, located at 540 NE Hwy. 101. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org.