The Way Down Wanderers were fan favorites at the 2015 Ferdinand Folk Festival and we're proud to bring them back to town for our "Halfway to the Folk Festival" lineup announcement and fundraiser!  Come join us and help welcome the boys back to Ferdinand as we also announce the 2016 Main Stage lineup for the Folk Fest! 

Equal parts fast-paced and soulful, a five-piece alternative folk band, The Way Down Wanderers (Chicago, IL) not only draw listeners in with their energy and originality, but also captivate fans with their unique and touching story.  Banjo player Ben Montalbano and fiddle/mandolin player Collin Krause are half brothers who met each other for the first time six years ago.  The two were shocked to find that not only were they both pursuing careers in music, but that they were each drawn to the same genres.  In addition to their unexpected brotherly collaboration, the other band member's dramatically diverse backgrounds in bluegrass, jazz, classical, and rap music blend together to form unique harmony vocals, soaring instrumentals, lively dynamics, and standout melodies.  For additional information about the band, visit www.thewaydownwanderers.com. 

Bethany Boeglin, a Ferdinand and regional favorite, will perform a brief opening set.