- Beck: The Cosmic Closer
- All American Rejects: The Emo Revival
- Extra Innings Festival Announces Lineup: Tempe AZ, Feb. 28 and March 1, 2025
- Ella Langley is Fabulous at Two Step Inn: Review and Photos
- Rob Zombie’s Freaks on Parade Tour: Review and Photos
- Vlad Holiday, with photos: The Eclectic Sound of Modern Melancholy
Mama Said String Band’s Bluegrass Charm Lights Up Railbird Festival 2025
The Kentucky sun was climbing higher at the Red Mile on May 31, 2025, when Mama Said String Band took the Burl Stage. Their 1:30 p.m. set at the Railbird Festival felt like a front-porch jam session, full of bluegrass grit and warmth. Consequently, the early crowd, sipping cold drinks, found themselves tapping toes to the band’s lively strings. For 45 minutes, this Louisville quintet spun tales of heartbreak and hills, proving why they’re a local treasure.

Their set was a masterclass in modern bluegrass, blending tradition with a fresh edge. For instance, they kicked off with “High on a Hill,” its banjo-driven rhythm pulling folks closer. Meanwhile, Kaitlen Farmer’s vocals soared, carrying a raw, mountain-born ache. The band’s energy was infectious; David O’Connell’s mandolin riffs danced with Max Carmody’s banjo, creating a sound both tight and free. Moreover, their rendition of “Lonesome Road” had the crowd singing along, a nod to Kentucky’s musical roots. By the time they wrapped with “Bowlin’ Ball,” fans were hollering for more.
From Louisville to the Stage
Mama Said String Band formed in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2016, born from a shared love of bluegrass and folk. The members—David O’Connell (born 1988), Kaitlen Farmer (born 1990), Max Carmody (born 1991), Kyle Smith (born 1987), and Sophia Farmer (born 1993)—met through the city’s vibrant music scene. Growing up, David was hooked on his dad’s old Bill Monroe records, picking up the mandolin at 12. Kaitlen, meanwhile, found her voice singing in church, drawn to gospel’s emotional pull. Max, inspired by Earl Scruggs, started banjo young, while Kyle’s fiddle came from years of classical training. Sophia, the youngest, fell for upright bass after watching street buskers.




Their early days were spent jamming at local bars, honing a sound that respects tradition but isn’t afraid to experiment. For example, they’ve blended indie folk and jazz into their bluegrass core, earning a loyal local following. By 2018, their debut album, Lifted, put them on the map, with tracks like “High on a Hill” catching regional radio play. Since then, they’ve played festivals like ROMP and Master Musicians, building a reputation for lively, heartfelt shows.
Bands and Bandmates
Mama Said String Band is the primary outfit for all five members, and they’ve stayed committed to this project. Their core lineup includes:
- Kaitlen Farmer – vocals, guitar
- David O’Connell – mandolin, vocals
- Max Carmody – banjo
- Kyle Smith – fiddle
- Sophia Farmer – upright bass
Occasionally, they’ve collaborated with local musicians for studio work, but the quintet remains the heart of the band. Meanwhile, they’ve shared stages with acts like The Infamous Stringdusters and Billy Strings, though no major news about formal collaborations has surfaced. As for relationships, the Farmer sisters (Kaitlen and Sophia) keep their personal lives private, and the band hasn’t been linked to any headline-grabbing artist romances.
Television, Film, and Awards
Mama Said String Band’s media presence is modest, fitting their grassroots vibe. They appeared on Louisville’s WFPK radio in 2019, performing tracks from Lifted to a small but enthusiastic audience. Additionally, their song “Lonesome Road” was featured in a 2021 episode of Kentucky Life, a PBS show highlighting local culture. As for awards, they won the 2020 Louisville Music Award for Bluegrass Band of the Year, a nod to their hometown pride. Furthermore, they were nominated for the 2022 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Emerging Artist Award but didn’t take home the prize. Still, their growing fanbase sees them as a band to watch.
Biggest Songs
Mama Said String Band’s music thrives on festival stages and streaming platforms, with a few tracks standing out:
- “High on a Hill” – Written by David O’Connell and Kaitlen Farmer, this 2018 track became a regional hit, with steady streams.
- “Lonesome Road” – Penned by the full band, this 2018 song gained traction for its haunting melody, popular at live shows.
- “Bowlin’ Ball” – Also written by the band, this 2021 single earned airplay on bluegrass stations, nearing 1 million streams.
Controversies
Mama Said String Band has kept a clean slate, avoiding major scandals. However, in 2020, they faced minor flak when a festival promoter accused them of pulling out of a gig last-minute. The band clarified it was due to a scheduling mix-up, not drama, and they made amends by playing a free local show. Otherwise, their focus stays on the music, with no tabloid-worthy stories or feuds to report. Consequently, their reputation as a hardworking, down-to-earth band remains intact.
The Railbird Moment
At Railbird, Mama Said String Band felt right at home. The Burl Stage, tucked under the Kentucky sky, was perfect for their sound. For instance, Kaitlen’s storytelling in “Lonesome Road” hit hard, her voice cracking with emotion. Meanwhile, Max’s banjo solo in “Bowlin’ Ball” had fans whooping, some even two-stepping in the grass. The band’s chemistry was clear; they laughed between songs, sharing quick stories about Louisville dives where they cut their teeth.
Their stage setup was classic bluegrass: no frills, just strings and a single mic for harmonies. As a result, the crowd got an intimate show, like they’d stumbled into a backwoods jam. During “High on a Hill,” David traded riffs with Kyle, their instruments practically singing to each other. Moreover, Sophia’s bass kept the pulse steady, grounding the band’s high-energy moments. The crowd, a mix of bluegrass diehards and curious festivalgoers, leaned in, drawn by the band’s warmth.
Yet, the set had a small stumble. A string broke on Max’s banjo mid-song, forcing a quick swap, but he played it off with a grin. Additionally, the early slot meant some fans were still parking, missing the opening notes. Nevertheless, those who caught it were all in, clapping along and snapping photos of the stage. By the end, a small but mighty crowd had gathered, buzzing about the band’s Kentucky pride.
Mama Said String Band’s Railbird set was a love letter to their roots. They weren’t headliners, but they didn’t need to be. For example, their banter about growing up in Louisville got laughs, connecting with local fans. Meanwhile, their music felt timeless yet fresh, bridging old-school bluegrass with a modern twist. As a result, their performance was a highlight of Day 1, setting a high bar for the Burl Stage. Afterward, fans lingered, swapping stories about the set and hunting for band merch, while the band’s final chords echoed across the festival grounds.
Their show was a reminder of why Railbird celebrates homegrown talent. Mama Said String Band brought heart, hustle, and harmony, proving they’re more than a local act. Consequently, their set left the crowd ready for more, a perfect snapshot of Kentucky’s musical soul. As the festival rolled on, their music hung in the air, a sweet nod to the hills they call home.
0 comments