The Belly Up Aspen

The Fretliners are a band defined by their songwriting—stories carried by powerful harmonies, dynamic arrangements, and a sound that feels both timeless and new. Their music leans into the tradition of acoustic string instruments but reaches well beyond genre, resonating with listeners through honesty and craft.

In 2023, they swept both the Telluride Bluegrass and RockyGrass band competitions—an achievement matched only once before. That fall, their debut self-titled album earned widespread acclaim, praised for its originality and heartfelt lyricism.

With songs that balance tradition and innovation, The Fretliners continue to chart a bold path forward, creating music that connects as deeply on record as it does on stage.

We are an acoustic-based trio focusing on original compositions and a mix of blues, bluegrass, and jazz. The band features singer/songwriter/mandolinist Kenny Wayne, guitarist Harris Jackson, and bassist Rob Leisure.

2025 was a significant year for us; we played the main stage for the Snowmass summer concert series (3,500+ attendees), performed at the Aspen Mountain Bluegrass Series, and headlined the Snowmass Fall Festival. Formerly of Elk Range, I have supported various artists such as Hugh Phillips, Jackson Emmer, and Chad Brock.