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hirteen years ago, Chris Daniels introduced the idea of a small local concert to start off the summer. A few bands, an outdoor stage, and craft beer (and Bud, too).

Back then, Silospalooza took place in the dusty front parking lot and started at 4p.

Signs of a Cajun Zydeco band: a Cajun accordion.

In the years since, the local free music concert has expanded its hours and moved from the parking lot to a dedicated venue with permanent stage.

Jill Harris joins her Shane Harris and Moore’s Creek Bluegrass on stage for a few songs.

These days, dancers two-step on the grass and patrons grab glasses of beer and wine from the covered Red Rooster bar.

Patrons enjoy conversation and beers in the shade.

The festival has come a long way, but one thing remains the same: come summer, variations of rock, folk, country, & blues music will fill the air while dancers turn on the grassy dance floor and onlookers enjoy the beer (and shade) of the Red Rooster bar.

Dancing on the lawn: to bluegrass, Zydeco, and a Cajun waltz.

This year’s headliners Unknown Tongues brought Cajun Zydeco to the mix. The sound of accordions, a pedal steel guitar, and a washboard added to the rhythms of Unknown Tongues’ music.

Cajun Zydeco band Unknown Tongues were this year’s headliners.

Chris Daniel’s own band, Southern Hellcats, opened the festival at noon. Idlewild South, Moore’s Creek Bluegrass, and Unknown Tongues followed.

The view at Noon: behind the stage as Southern Hellcats open Silospalooza 2026.

Silospalooza happens every year in the summer. The next one is scheduled for June 2027.

Chris Daniels’ band Southern Hellcats.

Moore’s Creek Bluegrass

Bluegrass banjo.

Jen Edwards takes drink orders from behind the bar.

Shane & Jill Harris sing while the rest of Moore’s Creek Bluegrass takes a water break.

Chris Daniels, lead singer of Southern Hellcats and owner / organizer of Silospalooza.

Two brands of accordion made an appearance at Unknown Tongues’ set. This Martin brand Cajun Accordions come with a distinctive crawfish design on the bellows.

The headliners take the stage, readying their instruments to play an hour and a half of music.

Unknown Tongues’ accordion player switched to the fiddle as needed.

Tracy Peterson, all smiles while ordering at the Red Rooster bar.

Related Links

• The first Silospalooza, 2013

Posted Friday June 26, 2026 by Allison DeWeese