(Video credits: Music City Roots – Billy Strings / Turmoil & Tinfoil; The Marcus King Band – Live at The Anthem Washington DC – February 15, 2018)

 
Martinsville, VA — Marcus King and Billy Strings, two of the hottest names on today’s music scene, will join forces for a world-debut “King & Strings” set on May 25th at Rooster Walk, the festival announced today.
 
King will join Strings and his band for the duration of a late-night, 2-hour set at RW10, and iconic drummer Jeff Sipe will also sit in for the latter portion of the performance.
 
The two have never met, let alone played together, but each calls himself a fan of the other’s music. The current plan involves an unscripted jam that will begin in the bluegrass/acoustic world native to String, before evolving into something more electric and rock-based, with Sipe on the kit.
 
“I think that will be the most fun, if we showcase a little bit of both. We’ll get Marcus some on an acoustic and then get me on an electric with Marcus,” said the 25-year-old Strings. “We’ll kind of do both of our worlds and make them clash.”
 
Already a veteran of the special guest sit in, King has played with the likes of Widespread Panic, The Allman Brothers and Greensky Bluegrass, to name just a few. He said he’s looking forward to the improvisational set at Pop’s Farm, which will also feature Billy’s band (banjo, fiddle and bass.)
 
“I think it’s gonna be a hoot man. If I can be frank, I think it’s a great idea, and we’re gonna have a lot of fun with it,” said King, just 21 years old.
 
Festival organizer Johnny Buck did not try to hide his enthusiasm.
 
“The word ‘excited’ would be a gross understatement,” Buck said. “To think that these two musicians will meet and play together for the very first time at Rooster Walk 10? Man, we’re just honored to host ‘King & Strings,’ and I use that word literally. It’s an honor for Rooster Walk to host this very special collaboration.”
 
Rooster Walk 10 will take place May 24-27, 2018 at Pop’s Farm in Martinsville, Va. Headlining bands include The Wood Brothers, JJ Grey & Mofro and Robert Randolph and the Family Band. The festival’s full band lineup will be announced Thursday, March 8. To buy tickets or learn more information, visit www.RoosterWalk.com.