The Claire Lynch Band returns to Holly Springs on June 19 with a new guitarist. This band performed to a sold-out house in 2007. Back by popular demand, this group is high on the bluegrass world’s A-List, with musicians whose accolades include International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Female Vocalist of the Year and two Grammy nominations for Best Bluegrass Album (Claire) and two IBMA Bass Player of the Year awards (Mark Schatz). Claire’s own musical direction dates back to the days of the Front Porch String Band, resulting in a seasoned sound with a down-home, front porch sensibility—until you realize that it’s a rare front porch, indeed, that has ever hosted musicians of this caliber.

Matt Wingate is the newest band member, joining this band after stints with The Greencards and The Lovell Sisters. Wingate won Merlefest’s Doc Watson Guitar Championship in 1997 at the age of 15 whlie performing with his family’s band. He later honed his bluegrass chops performing across the U.S. and in Europe as Valerie Smith’s lead guitar player.

Bassist Mark Schatz keeps the band grounded with his deft touch and masterful instinct for groove, and Toronto native Jason Thomas brings monster chops on fiddle and mandolin, supported by remarkable musical versatility and imagination that have made him instantly at home in one of the greatest bluegrass bands currently on the scene.

The music starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are still available: $25 for the general public or $20 for PineCone members. To reserve seats, call the Holly Springs Cultural Center Box Office at 919-567-4000 or order online at www.etix.com. For more details, please visit www.pinecone.org.