Bonnaroo Band Of The Day: Sara Watkins

Bonnaroo Artist | Sara Watkins
Bonnaroo History | 2012
Stage & Time | TBA

As we’ve been doing for the past several years now, we’re making it our mission to help you get acquainted with as many bands as we can from Bonnaroo‘s impressive 2016 lineup. We’ll start from the bottom and work our way up, paying special attention to the smaller and lesser known acts on this year’s bill. Keep reading for your Bonnaroo Band of the Day…

LEARN

Sara Watkins first earned praise for her songwriting and fiddling skills as a founding member of modern bluegrass group Nickel Creek. Comprised of Watkins, her brother Sean, and mandolinist Chris Thile, the trio has released six albums and have earned multiple Grammy and CMA nominations since their founding in 1989. In 2007, the group embarked on a farewell tour to allow each member to focus on their individual solo projects.

Watkins released her first self-titled solo album in 2008, which further showcased her skills as a writer and performer. After touring heavily in support of the release for the next few years, she headed back into the studio and recorded her second LP, Sun Midnight Sun. The pop-influenced folk album was produced by guitarist Blake Mills and features appearances from Fiona Apple, who would later appear on her 2015 project The Watkins Family Hour. Most recently, she’s been collaborating with friends Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan when she’s not performing her own solo work. If you’re a fan of soulful, soaring vocals and beautiful storytelling, make sure you don’t miss her set at Bonnaroo this year.

LISTEN | “You and Me”