Wolf Trap’s Freshest Opening Acts

Apr 28, 2025

The summer season at Wolf Trap is here and talents go far beyond the headliners! From folk to funk and rock to bluegrass, there are some stellar supporting acts ready to take on the Filene Center stage for the first time. Arrive early, get a drink, and experience these phenomenal openers in your backyard!

Heartless Bastards & Watchhouse

Choose your own adventure when you come to see The Avett Brothers during their two-day run at the Filene Center! On Saturday, May 30, Heartless Bastards open the show with their patchwork of rock ’n’ roll, folk, and blues. Erika Wennerstrom leads, tying the band’s eclectic vibe together with her spectacular voice. On Sunday May 31, Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz of Watchhouse “redefine roots music for a younger generation” (The Washington Post) with profound chemistry and talent.

Watch Heartless Bastards perform “How Low”:

Listen to Watchhouse’s “Old Ties and Companions”:

Nai Palm

Described as a “sonic seer,” Aussie vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Nai Palm warms up the crowd for The Roots on June 29. The front woman of the futuristic and genre-fluid group Hiatus Kaiyote, the band’s music has been sampled by The Carters (Beyoncé and Jay Z), Anderson .Paak, and Chance the Rapper. For this special solo performance, Palm taps into layered guitar and her “heroic” and “molten voice” (Pitchfork).

Get a feel for Nai Palm’s smooth, electro-acoustic sound with “When the Knife”:

JJ Grey & Mofro + Dumpstaphunk

The sweet sounds of the deep south head into Virginia this summer when JJ Grey & Mofro open for Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue on July 24. JJ Grey is a singer/songwriter with “unforced talent and deep feeling” (The New York Times), who celebrates the simple joys of this “Beautiful World” through a fusion of funk, rock, blues, and soul. Before Grey takes to the stage, you’ll hear the deep, gritty groove of New Orleans’ funk-fusion royalty Dumpstaphunk.

Watch JJ Grey & Mofro perform “Orange Blossoms”:

Listen to Dumpstaphunk’s “United Nations Stomp”:

Kitchen Dwellers

The kitchen is cooking with the sounds of Kitchen Dwellers as they kick off the night for Leftover Salmon and The Infamous Stringdusters on July 10. The Montana natives infuse hints of rock and psychedelic into the traditional bluegrass sound, creating a unique and progressive style. Their newest album Seven Devils, inspired by Dante’s Inferno, takes the listener on a journey through the human experience of sin with truly inspiring creativity. 

Check out Kitchen Dwellers perform “Wind Bitten (VII)” from Seven Devils: 

Asleep at the Wheel 

Pull on your cowboy boots and saddle up to welcome Asleep at the Wheel on August 7 when they open for Lyle Lovett and his Large Band. Inspired by Western swing and honky-tonk country, Asleep at the Wheel has been part of the American roots landscape since 1970. With eight Grammy wins, their rowdy, swinging sound has kept generations of audiences bouncing and boogieing.

Listen to Asleep at the Wheel revamp the classic “Route 66”: 

Edwin McCain

Named a “street corner prophet” by USA Today, Edwin McCain makes his Filene Center debut on August 20 opening for Train. Having last performed at The Barns in 2015, his iconic songs have since been embraced by a new generation of music lovers with artists like Justin Bieber and Charlie Puth covering “I’ll Be” in concert and on social media. Sing along to more of his hits, like “I Could Not Ask for More” plus numbers from his 2025 album Lucky, at the show!  

Watch his performance of “I Could Not Ask For More”: 

Tiny Habits                                          

Maya Rae, Cinya Khan, and Judah Mayowa of Tiny Habits meld their lush voices seamlessly into intricate harmonies. The folk/pop trio has toured with Gracie Abrams and Noah Kahan and taken their debut album Tiny Things on a sold-out US “Tiny Tour.” The group opens for the legendary James Taylor on August 21, 23, and 24. Experience stand-out singles like “Tiny Things,” “Mudroom,” and their recent collaboration with Lizzy McAlpine, “For Sale Sign.” 

Watch Tiny Habits’ live acoustic performance of “one more:”

The Paper Kites

You’ll be transported to a cozy roadhouse in the backwoods of Australia when The Paper Kites open for The Teskey Brothers on September 10. Audiences around the world have fallen in love with their wistful indie blend of folk, rock, and Americana. During the show, you’re sure to enjoy spellbinding songs like their certified platinum breakout “Bloom” from the Woodland EP and more from their new album At the Roadhouse.

Check out The Paper Kites’ live performance of “The Sweet Sound of You”:

Interested in discovering even more amazing opening acts? Check out the calendar for the full summer line-up!