Featured Performers
Samantha Crain
Rolling Stone says “"Her voice is gorgeously odd — all fulsome, shape-shifting vowels that do indeed billow like fog" and The New York Times says “Ms. Crain is a promising young storyteller with fealty to ragged, country-driven indie-pop and an alluring dark streak.” A citizen of the Choctaw Nation, she has won multiple Native American Music Awards, and her album “A Small Death” was ranked in NPRs top albums of 2020. At Burning Troll, expect a performance that moves like firelight, intimate, flickering, and quietly powerful.
Nur-D
He’ll make you smile. He’ll touch your heart. He’ll impress you with his wit and talent. Nur-D is known for his high energy performances and genre blending sound that fuses hip-hop with funk, pop, and pure personality. He’ll be joined by the Full Friendly Neighborhood Spider Band. He has built a reputation as one of the Midwest’s most electrifying live acts, earning praise for his musical versatility and his ability to connect with a crowd in a way that feels spontaneous, joyful, and real.
Mama Digdown’s Brass Band
Mama Digdown’s Brass Band will get the party rolling! In their 30th year, this high-energy brass band from Madison blends New Orleans style rhythms with pop, funk, and hip hop into an infectious, explosive sound. They bring a sense of celebration that’s hard to resist.
Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble
Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble brings the lively spirit of gypsy jazz to the stage with upbeat rhythms, tight musicianship, and a sound inspired by Django Reinhardt and the swing era. Blending guitar, violin, and driving rhythm, they deliver a mix of classic standards and fresh takes that feel both timeless and fun. Their music is light on its feet and easy to enjoy.
New Glarus AlpHorns
Hailing from the nearby town of New Glarus, the Alphorns will fill the valley of the Burning Troll with the sound of mountain horns!
The Stop and listen
The Stop and Listen plays old-time stringband music with a unique set of instruments and voices. They specialize in fiddle tunes, old-time songs, jug band numbers, and country blues. They bring some serious drive and groove with harmonicas (sometimes a couple at once), extraordinary improvisation on cello and fiddle, banjos of uncompromising size, and a bass with a chip on its shoulder. Songs are sung with an old-time swagger, harmonies included.
Forward! Marching Band
Forward! Marching Band is a roughly 30-piece activist street band from Madison, Wisconsin. They are a community-based music-making collective that believes in using music to help fuel social change, have fun, and build community. Get ready for a Burning Troll parade!
Supersonic soul circle
Close out the evening at Burning Troll with Supersonic Soul Circle. Supersonic Soul Circle is a local musical group that performs kirtan (sacred mantra singing) fused with Western genres like folk, rock, funk, and reggae. They create high-energy, interactive musical journeys aimed at uniting community through collective, heart-opening, and dance-filled yoga-centric music.
