Chicken Wire Empire

Chicken Wire Empire returns to The Bend Theater for another highly-anticipated performance, promising an evening of foot-stomping music and infectious energy.

Born in Wisconsin, Chicken Wire Empire began as a traditional bluegrass band. The band honed its traditional sound in 2014 with their debut album Chicken Wire Empire. Half the group embraced bluegrass, half favored jamband music. A shift happened during a tribute show. Sam Donoghue recorded it, following the band in Wisconsin. They played at Milwaukee’s Riverside Theatre. In 2018, they returned to the studio. They recorded “What Moves Mountains” at Axis Studios with Vinny Millevolte and Justin Perkins mastering.

In November of 2019, Chicken Wire Empire toured Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as part of the 9th annual Bluegrass Jamboree, hosted by Rainier Zellner. While the band fell in love with Christmas markets, the European audiences were enamored with the CWE sound. Arriving back in America, the band sifted through recordings of all 24 shows.

The band used their time to arrange and record an album with Minnesota songsmith Chris Castino (The Big Wu) at NeonBrown with Ryan Young (Trampled by Turtles) engineering. The album features guests Peter Rowan, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Andy Hall, Tim O’Brien, and Nick Forester. Entitled “Fresh Pickles,” it was released in February 2022.

Chicken Wire Empire played alongside Yonder Mountain, 30db, The Big Wu, Peter Rowan, and more. Supported by locals, they aim to boost Wisconsin’s bluegrass and acoustic music appreciation.

Doors open at 6:30 PM to give you time to find your seats, visit our historic lobby, concession stand and fully stocked bar!

Show begins at approximately 7:30 PM