Billy Strings is bringing a lot more than bluegrass to his inaugural Ionia Freak Fair in Ionia, Michigan on August 28th and 29th. The guitarist has announced a metal stage that will feature hardcore heroes Bane, death metal veterans Cryptopsy, and more.
The “Pyramid Scheme Pinball and Metal Tent” will also include For the Fallen Dreams, Flesh and Blood Robot, Heartsick, and See You Next Tuesday across the two-day fest (tickets here).
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Strings posted the following message on Instagram alongside the lineup poster for the metal stage:
“IONIA MICHIGAN!! I have been dying to let this cat of the bag!! We are throwing it back to the days of The Center, when we were throwing DIY shows and bringing some of the best heavy music to town. I’m so stoked to share this line-up that I personally curated with the help of my team and the good folks at the pyramid scheme. These are bands that I have loved for years and some of them are dear friends of mine that I used to play shows with 20 years ago. We are bringing some death metal, some Hardcore, some grind and more to the Ionia Freak Fair this August. Get ready for Cryptopsy, BANE, For the Fallen Dreams, Flesh and Blood Robot, See You Next Tuesday and Heartsick !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
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Fans of bluegrass will still get their fill, as the previously announced main stage will feature Strings headlining both nights, as well as Greensky Bluegrass, Sierra Hull, Leftover Salmon, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, Lindsay Lou, and Full Cord.
Strings is no stranger to the metal world, having collaborated with heavy acts in the past. Last year, he added a guitar solo to Cryptopsy’s single “Blasphemy Made Fresh,” saying at the time, “Contributing to a Cryptopsy track is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done in my life.”
He also joined Tool onstage in 2023 for a performance of “Jambi” in Salt Lake City.
Strings broke his leg skateboarding backstage in April, and had to postpone a number of tour dates. He ended up tacking them on to his upcoming summer US tour. On top of that, he has a fall US tour on the books, as well (pick up tickets here).
See the lineup for “Pyramid Scheme Pinball and Metal Tent” at Billy Strings’ Ionia Freak Fair below.
