Full Cord, hailing from Grand Haven, Michigan, has taken 1st place in the 49th Annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Contest!
Telluride Bluegrass Festival has been a mainstay of festivals and produces a highly respected band contest. Winners in years past include Lil' Smokies, Dixie Chicks, Greensky Bluegrass, Trout Steak Revival, Ryan Shupe & The Rubber Band and many more notable acts.
The band contest consists of a two-round, three-song performance where twelve bands are narrowed to four that perform on the main stage on the second day. Full Cord focused on original tunes through both rounds and were announced the winners on main stage Saturday (June 18) morning.
"What an amazing experience to win the Telluride Band Contest.", says Todd Kirchner, the bass player and founding member. "Its such an incredible privilege to stand on the stage that all of heroes have stood and performed. Its a bit surreal. We’re honored and humbled to have won."
As part of their prize, Full Cord is the first band officially booked for the 50th anniversary festival in 2023 and will show up with their new Dark Shadow Recording album, slated for spring release.
Stephen Mougin, record label owner and producer, shares: “I’m so proud of Full Cord for all of their hard work leading up to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Contest. They performed six original songs (three in each round) and even spent time re-arranging tunes to make sure they fit in the three minute song allotment. I’m happy that the festivarians of Planet Bluegrass got their first taste of this fantastic band. Playing on the Telluride main stage is nerve-wracking for ALL of us, and Full Cord did an impressive job showing exactly why they belong there."
For more information and to learn about upcoming tour date, please visit: https://fullcord.net/shows
ABOUT FULL CORD
For the past 15 years, Full Cord has been making a name for themselves blending traditional bluegrass music with jazz, western swing, and classic rock n’ roll while keeping the traditional bluegrass feel alive and well. These influences make every performance memorable and unique. Full Cord – guitarist Eric Langejans, bassist Todd Kirchner, Mando specialist Brian Oberlin, fiddler Grant Flick, banjo picker extraordinaire Gabe Hirshfeld, and vocalist Katie Kirchner – are at the top of their game and gaining momentum fast. Hold on to your hats when these boys hit the stage – they are bringing their version of the bluegrass train full steam ahead.
