Exclusive: Noah Kahan, Stephen Sanchez, Sierra Hull and More Talk Pilgrimage Festival

Dave Matthews Band, Noah Kahn, Hozier, and NEEDTOBREATHE are among the headliners at this weekend’s Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival at the Park at Harlinsdale in Franklin, Tennessee.

Other festival performers include Stephen Sanchez, Charlie Worsham, Band of Heathens, Sierra Hull, Lukas Nelson, Grace Bowers, and more.

In honor of the festival’s 10th anniversary, see what many artists say about playing Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival and what makes it special.

Noah Kahan

“Well, it’s Kevin Griffin from Better Than Ezra’s Festival, and Kevin Griffin from Better Than Ezra was my second-ever writing session in Nashville. I got here scared shitless. I had no idea what a writing session was. I’d never written with anyone else in my entire life. And to play that festival is a real full circle moment for me. I feel like I was a scared kid, and now I’m a scared mid, late 20s kid. And to be able to headline in the city that I’ve played so many shows and spent so much time here, it’s really, really cool. So many great artists honored to be a part of it.”

Stephen Sanchez

“When I was about 15, my Mom took me to see NEEDTOBREATHE for their Acoustic Live Tour in Stockton, California. I remember as I sat in the red velvet seats of the Bob Hope Theatre, Bear Rinehart started to sing a song called “Difference Maker”. With my eyes closed I started to pray, hoping that I’d get to play music like them, make a difference like them, play on the same stages as them. I’ve been around the world now. Playing at Pilgrimage this year is a genuine testimony of a dream come true. I’m looking forward to singing the songs I wrote from my heart, sharing the love of music alongside NEEDTOBREATHE.”

Sierra Hull

“Pilgrimage is a festival that has been on my bucket list for a while so I’m so excited! The lineup is always awesome and as a born and raised Tennessean, I adore every opportunity to play in my home state.”

Wyatt Ellis

“Playing at the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival is such a special opportunity for me. Growing up in Tennessee, where bluegrass and Southern music have deep roots, it feels like I’m carrying on a tradition and that means so much to me. The festival celebrates all kinds of music and culture, and I love that I get to share bluegrass with a diverse audience that might not normally experience it. There’s something really inspiring about being surrounded by so many talented artists from different genres. It’s a chance to learn, connect, and grow as a musician while staying true to where I come from.”

Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival is Sept. 28-29 at the Park at Harlinsdale in Franklin, Tennessee. Tickets start at $289 and are available here.

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