Billy Strings Adds Metal Stage to Ionia Freak Fair Lineup

Billy Strings has announced additional programming for his upcoming Ionia Freak Fair, adding a dedicated metal stage alongside the previously announced bluegrass lineup.

The inaugural festival will take place August 28 to 29 in Ionia, Michigan. It will now include the “Pyramid Scheme Pinball and Metal Tent,” which will feature performances from hardcore and metal acts including Bane, Cryptopsy, For the Fallen Dreams, Flesh and Blood Robot, Heartsick, and See You Next Tuesday.

The addition of the metal stage expands what was already planned as a multi-genre event led by Billy Strings. The guitarist will headline both nights on the main stage, which will continue to focus on bluegrass and Americana music.

The main stage lineup includes Greensky Bluegrass, Sierra Hull, Leftover Salmon, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, Lindsay Lou, and Full Cord. Those acts will perform across the two-day festival alongside Strings.

| RELATED: Billy Strings Unveils Summer Tour Dates |  

In announcing the metal programming, Strings said the stage was inspired by his early experiences with DIY shows and local music scenes. In a post shared on Instagram with the lineup announcement, he wrote:

“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 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Billy Strings (@billystrings)

The addition of heavier music is not new for Strings. He previously collaborated with Cryptopsy on the track “Blasphemy Made Fresh,” contributing guitar work to the song. He has also performed onstage with Tool in 2023 during a live performance of “Jambi” in Salt Lake City.

The festival announcement comes as Strings continues to manage changes to his touring schedule. In April, he broke his leg while skateboarding backstage, which led to the postponement of several shows. Those dates were later rescheduled and added into his summer tour itinerary.

Despite the injury, Strings has continued to move forward with a full schedule of performances. He is also scheduled to launch a fall U.S. tour later this year.

For more information and additional details, fans can visit String’s official website.