Don't Miss

Sierra Hull Shines Bright at Brown County Music Center with Milk Carton Kids

By Clarissa Darling on February 18, 2026

On a surprisingly mild February evening in 2026, the Brown County Music Center in Nashville, Indiana, came alive with the sounds of bluegrass and folk harmonies during the High Lonesome Harmony Tour. Sierra Hull headlined the show on February 17, with the Milk Carton Kids kicking things off as the opening act. Fans packed the venue for an intimate night of masterful picking, heartfelt stories, and crowd-pleasing tunes that blended tradition with fresh energy. If you’re a bluegrass enthusiast or just love good vibes, this performance was a treat that left everyone buzzing.

The Milk Carton Kids: Harmonies That Hit Home

The Milk Carton Kids, the duo of Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale, took the stage at 7:35 p.m., delivering their signature folk sound reminiscent of the Everly Brothers and Simon & Garfunkel. Hailing from Los Angeles, they’ve been collaborators for about 15 years. Before teaming up, both had solo careers that weren’t gaining much traction—Ryan and Pattengale have shared that their individual paths felt stalled until they joined forces, creating magic with their intertwined vocals and acoustic guitars.

The Milk Carton Kids on a co-headliner with Sierra Hull, perform at the Brown County Music Center on Feb. 17, 2026. (Photo credit and copyright Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

The set started strong with “Monterey,” followed by “Broken Headlights” and “Snake Mountain Blues.” Ryan shared a lighthearted story about family from the Columbus, Indiana, area, joking when the crowd didn’t cheer: “I guess my family didn’t come tonight except Uncle Joey.” They teased their upcoming album, Lost Cause Lover Fool, set for release on April 24, 2026, with Ryan spinning a humorous tale about the title’s punctuation possibilities while chiding Pattengale about its meaning.

A zippy bluegrass-infused number came next, leading into “A Friend Like You,” where Sierra Hull joined on mandolin for a seamless collaboration.

Pattengale talked about their “banjo phase,” holding up his clawhammer banjo and humorously crediting it for sharpening his songwriting and drawing younger fans. They played “Charlie,” then wrapped with “Michigan,” earning a standing ovation at 8:32 p.m. Their beautiful harmonies and witty banter made for a warm, engaging opener that set the perfect tone.

Sierra Hull: A Bluegrass Prodigy Lights Up the Stage

Sierra Hull, the evening’s star, started her set at 8:50 p.m. Hailing from Byrdstown, Tennessee, Hull began playing mandolin at age eight and released her debut album at 11. She became the first bluegrass musician to receive a Presidential Scholarship at Berklee College of Music in 2009. Her accolades include seven International Bluegrass Music Association Mandolin Player of the Year awards—the first woman to win it—and six Grammy nominations. She’s performed at Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, the White House, NPR’s Tiny Desk, and The Kelly Clarkson Show, solidifying her as a dynamic force in bluegrass and Americana.

Sierra Hull, performs at the Brown County Music Center on Feb. 17, 2026. (Photo credit and copyright Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

Hull’s latest album, A Tip Toe High Wire, released in 2025, showcases her songwriting and features guests like Bela Fleck and Tim O’Brien. At the show, she was personable and storytelling-sharp, shouting out the Milk Carton Kids’ family and friends, plus folks from her hometown. She described touring with them as “riding in a giant sardine can” but praised how well they all got along, so far, just now halfway through the tour. This was her first time at the Brown County Music Center, and she shared a fun story about touring Nashville, Indiana, with friend Stephanie, including a meal at the Bird’s Nest.

Hull displayed a framed black-and-white photo of her late grandmother, nicknamed “Spitfire,” who inspired her with resilience and fire. She urged the crowd to let go of worries, be present, and enjoy the moments, referencing influences like Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and Del McCoury from her time at Bean Blossom festivals.

Sierra Hull’s Band: Masters of Their Craft

Shaun Richardson: Guitar
Erik Coveney: Bass
Mark Raudabaugh: Drums
Avery Merritt: Fiddle

The band brought energy and precision, with standout interplay between Hull’s mandolin and Merritt’s fiddle, plus Coveney’s energetic bass plucking.

Most Likely Setlist: A Mix of Heart and Heat

Based on fan notes and recent tour performances, here’s the most likely setlist from the night:

Boom
Instrumental (fiddle and mandolin feature)
Beautifully Out Of Place
Compass
Instrumental (bass showcase)
Come Out Of My Blues
Spitfire
Collaboration with Milk Carton Kids (possibly Everybody’s Talking)
I Feel the Blues Moving In (The Del McCoury song)
Instrumental
What Do You Say?
Black River (with band solos)

The crowd loved the instrumental showcases and Hull’s emotional odes, like “Spitfire.” Her fast strumming and violin exchanges had everyone cheering.

This show was a reminder of why live bluegrass feels like home—raw talent, real stories, and connections that linger. Hull and the Milk Carton Kids delivered a fan-favorite night that’s sure to be talked about for a long time by the “Little Nashville” crowd in attendance. If they’re heading your way, grab tickets; you won’t regret it.