The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts in Manistee, Michigan, is one of those hidden gems that harkens back to a time when a beautifully executed architectural landmark was a source of civic pride. It’s the perfect setting to experience another American gem, the exceptionally talented Sierra Hull. West Shore Community College Director of Performing Arts, Ted Malt, chose this historic venue for the concert, a choice that feels perfectly fitting. 

Ted greets the audience in the classic theatre with a smile befitting a proud father. The sold-out event seems simultaneously out of place and entirely at home. Tonight, Grammy-nominated, six-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year, and paragon of musical virtue, Sierra Hull, graces this venerable stage to promote her new release, A Tip Toe High Wire.

The show opens with “How Long,” a haunting, nautical melody that is sweetly transcendent. This song first introduced many to Sierra’s artistry five years ago, beginning slowly before igniting into a rapid-fire second section, blending seamlessly into the jazzy new tune “Boom.” Featured as the opening track on her latest album, “Boom” signals the innovative direction modern bluegrass is taking. Sierra illuminates the stage with fan favorites “Movement 3,” “Beautifully,” and “Poison,” then shares a heartfelt introduction to another new song, “Lord, That’s a Long Way,” inspired by her grandmother’s comments about the distance between their homes.

The band follows with three standout tracks from the new album: “Muddy Water,” “Spitfire,” and “Let’s Go.” This release is nothing short of groundbreaking, offering bluegrass music that is both familiar and refreshingly innovative. “Muddy Water” captures traditional tones with a contemporary twist. “Spitfire,” another nod to family, celebrates the unbreakable spirits found in every household, while “Let’s Go” pulses with modern energy, appealing to both traditionalists and newcomers alike.

The first set ends far too soon, feeling as though it’s just hitting its stride, but Sierra leaves the audience spellbound with a stunning rendition of Tears for Fears’ classic, “Mad World.”

Set two ignites with the barnburner “Bombshell,” showcasing Sierra on mandolin, Avery Merritt on fiddle, and Shaun Richardson on guitar. The music is lively and exhilarating, setting the perfect tone for the rest of the evening. The energy carries forward into the spirited original “What Do You Say,” followed by the heartfelt Bill Monroe classic, “Sitting Alone in the Moonlight.” The band’s immense musical versatility is on full display, effortlessly shifting tempo and emotion. Sierra’s angelic voice shines particularly brightly in “Tell Me Tomorrow,” a bluegrass gem full of tight harmonies and fiery riffs.

A lighter moment arrives with “Best Buy,” a playful original composed spontaneously in a parking lot, bringing smiles all around. “Red Bird” gracefully lands as poetic imagery set to melody, hopeful yet introspective. Sierra’s powerful emotional depth is showcased in the hauntingly beautiful “Black River,” completing a rollercoaster of emotions in just three captivating songs.

Tonight’s audience is enthusiastically receptive, keenly aware of their good fortune in hosting such extraordinary talent. As the show reaches its climax, the band pulls out all the stops, blending heartfelt sentiment with dazzling musicianship. In rapid succession, Bill Monroe’s energetic “Dangerfield,” the emotionally rich original “Come Out of My Blues,” and Bela Fleck’s intricate “Stomping Grounds” thrill the audience, leading to an eruption of applause and a well-deserved encore. Returning to the stage, Sierra and the band deliver a definitive cover of the Hunter/Garcia classic “Black Muddy River,” surely making Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter smile from above.

Sierra Hull is more than just a rising superstar; she’s a genuinely wholesome entertainer, something increasingly rare and valuable in today’s music scene. Her thoughtful setlist, crafted with insight and empathy, offers an uplifting experience filled with laughter, tears, and inspiration. Sierra’s performance is refreshingly suitable for the entire family—an event you can comfortably share with your grandmother and eight-year-old alike. Sierra Hull is a return to something precious we’ve nearly lost: a truly authentic entertainer.