Used to be one of the best kept secrets at LarryFest. The idea started with a group of songwriters who played original songs and covers around a campfire during LarryFest. The gathering became too large, and we decided to create a stage for it. Larry Sebranek initially built a small stage and we entitled it The Songwriter Stage. More to the story...
Little Valley Stage Band Line-Up
LarryFest has always supported new and upcoming performers on the main stage and the little stage. It really was what Doug Sebranek was best at. Booking new music, original music, and upcoming artists that many of us have never heard before. We have a lot of bluegrass of course but also Americana, folk, old time music, old country, original music, jazz and more. As years went by, we gathered quite a large audience in the valley of LarryFest. More incredible writers and players wanted to be on the “little” stage just to be a part of LarryFest.
We decided to change the name of the stage when Larry Sebranek built an even larger well deserved version of our little stage. We called it the Little Valley Stage because it’s initials are LVS or Larry Virgil Sebranek. If you are at the little stage you will see a sign on the side of the stage that says; “Play Your Heart Out” which is a quote from Virgil Sebranek. He would also always tell Dan Sebranek to “play his heart out” and he sure does.
We dedicate the stage to Doug Sebranek, who is no longer with us. The Little Valley Stage now has a life of its own for many years and counting. It doesn't rival the big stage at LarryFest, it accentuates it by adding new and interesting acts different than our main stage to make our fest unique.
 Golden Shoals is a Nashville-based Americana duo featuring Amy Alvey (fiddle, vocals) and Mark Kilianski (guitar, banjo, vocals). Known for blending traditional Appalachian, old-time, and bluegrass roots with modern songwriting, they produce a high-energy sound described as "rousing old-time-style music that's fueled by acerbic modern-day wit". |  Texas Toast is a Winona, MN-based "psychedelic country" band formed in 2021, blending classic country with folk, bluegrass, R&B, and jam-band influences. Known for a "free-range Americana" sound. |  Sparrow Smith & The Resonant Rogues' songs invite people into their feelings and bodies through the art of traditional clawhammer banjo and folk influenced guitar. |  Bigtooth Bluegrass is a Madison, WI-based band blending traditional bluegrass with original, high-energy songwriting. Formed by experienced musicians, the group delivers a polished, precise sound that mixes classic tunes with masterly instrumentals. |  Crooked Willow is a Driftless Region-based Folk/Americana/Roots string band formed in 2013, a mainstay performer at LarryFest. Blending bluegrass with jazz, old-timey, and pop, offering a unique "musical cocktail" of original works and reimagined covers. The group often features Elisi Smith-Waller (banjo/vocals), Jessie McDonald (fiddle), and Erik Hanson (bass). |
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 The Iowans are an Americana band featuring first cousins Christina (Pleggenkuhle) Dollhausen and Katie (Pleggenkuhle) Getz, known for their close-knit vocal harmonies, clawhammer banjo, and guitar. Based in the Driftless area (Viroqua, WI), they blend folk, indie, and old-timey styles with jazz influences, often joined by Mat Grewe on bass. |  Fayme Rochelle & The Waxwings are a band specializing in classic country music, known for bringing a "twang" to their performances. Led by Fayme Rochelle and featuring Greg Tooke, the group performs in the Wisconsin and Minnesota regions. |  Rianna Marie was raised among the back roads and ever-changing seasons of Wisconsin, Rianna Marie started writing in the quiet rhythms of rural life. Stories allowed her to step outside her hometown and explore greater meanings around her. |  West Fork Gals is a musical group that performs a lively, toe-tapping blend of old-time, bluegrass, and traditional country music. Based on their performances, they are known for spirited, multi-part harmonies and a traditional lineup that typically includes twin fiddles, banjo, guitar, and upright bass. |  Lone Goat Rodeo is an American musical group based in the Midwest, performing original Americana music with influences from artists like Willie Nelson, Leonard Cohen, and John Prine. Led by Tim Eddy, the band plays a blend of poetic, electric, and folk-inspired music. |
 Hassett Bound Band is a bluesy, folksy, banjo strumming funk band fresh on the Madison scene. Their music is reminiscent of the backyard blues that artists like Waylon Jennings and Billy Strings inspired. |  Mary Cortesi & Dan Sebranek are true family members of LarryFest. When they play together on stage, you just know that there will be friends joining on stage, because that's the magic of them playing on stage at Larryfest. |  Simon Cropp's performance style combines dive bar bravado with fireside introspection, while his songwriting reflects plainspoken storytelling that captures classic country themes of love, heartbreak, and the landscapes he encounters. |  Helen Forsythe was born and raised in Southern Minnesota, playing the banjo and singing songs since she was 7 years old. Based in Northfield, she is both a teacher and a performer of folk and bluegrass banjo playing. |  Pat Wiley is a seasoned songwriter and performer with a “rural, down home” flavor. Pat will be joined by John Wilson as they perform for our annual barn dance. |