Pert Near Sandstone release "Side By Side" and announce November European tour
Thu 26 Mar 2026Pert Near Sandstone have spent more than two decades doing things their own way—rooted in bluegrass, but never confined by it. Hailing from Minnesota, their sound blends traditional acoustic instrumentation with a restless, exploratory spirit, shaped by four distinct songwriters whose voices meet in a shared, evolving vision. There’s a quiet defiance in their approach: less concerned with polish or trends, more committed to authenticity, community, and the long road.
That ethos comes into focus on their latest album, Side by Side, a record that leans into connection over competition. The songs move between playful and reflective, grounded in lived experience and carried by an emotional honesty that invites listeners in rather than keeping them at a distance. It’s music built for gathering—on porches, in fields, and especially on stage, where the band’s chemistry turns each performance into something communal and alive.
Offstage, that same spirit extends into their role as curators and community builders, most notably through their involvement with the Blue Ox Music Festival. For Pert Near, the music has always been about more than songs—it’s about creating spaces where people come together.
This November, they’ll bring that spirit to Europe with a newly announced tour across the continent. Known for their dynamic, open-hearted live shows, Pert Near Sandstone continue to prove that their place on the fringes is exactly where they belong—making music that endures, connects, and keeps moving forward.