(WARETOWN, NJ) -- On Friday, September 26, 2025, Albert Music Hall will come alive with the sounds of American folk and bluegrass at the "Songwriters in the Pines Show." Headlining the evening is Cole Quest and the City Pickers, a spirited bluegrass band from New York led by the grandson of American folk icon Woody Guthrie. The performance is part of the group's tour for their newly released album, Homegrown, which weaves Guthrie's timeless songs with fresh originals.
The evening will showcase three standout local acts before the headliner takes the stage. Opening the night is Sean Daniels and the Law Abiding Citizens, a South Jersey Americana group with deep roots in bluegrass and folk. They’ll be followed by Magnolia Street String Band, known for blending traditional bluegrass with cosmic Americana, country, and old-time influences. Next up is Jackson Pines, celebrated for both their original songwriting and their revival of traditional Pine Barrens folk songs. Capping off the night, Cole Quest and the City Pickers will deliver a full-hour set to close the show.
Doors open at 5:30pm, with music starting at 6:30pm. Admission is free, donations are welcome, but not required. Albert Hall is wheelchair accessible. Parking is free. Food, drinks, and desserts will be available for purchase. The gift shop will be open and the band's merchandise will be available in the foyer. The venue is cash-only.
The Pickin’ Shed and porch will also be open for jamming starting at 5:30pm, and visitors are encouraged to bring instruments to join the music-making.
The evening promises live roots music and original songwriting in the heart of the Jersey Pinelands. Visit the Albert Music Hall website or follow the venue on Facebook and Instagram to see videos and updates about events as they approach.
About the songwriters:
Cole Quest and The City Pickers bring a fresh, innovative sound to traditional bluegrass. Led by Cole Quest, grandson of Woody Guthrie, the NYC-based band blends original tunes with traditional favorites, infusing each song with a special brand of high-spirited energy and a high lonesome sound. Their acclaimed releases include Self [En]Titled (Omnivore) and their latest LP Homegrown (Jalopy). Known for high-energy performances, they’ve shared stages with artists such as Billy Strings and Sierra Hull and have earned praise from outlets like The Bluegrass Situation and American Songwriter.
Jackson Pines are a band of best friends that play original and traditional folk songs from the Pine Barrens. They revisit songs sung in Jersey for hundreds of years, as well as writing their own. Known for their live sets, they use their wooden instruments and strings to weave tales of love, loss, death, and hope on the road of life.
Magnolia Street String Band was formed in 2013 in Highland Park, NJ. Their music is rooted in traditional bluegrass, blended with elements of cosmic Americana, country, old-time, and original compositions. The band’s sound features powerful three-part harmonies and compelling instrumentals. Their approach to bluegrass feels both timeless and relevant—traditional yet personal, well-crafted yet soulful and direct. Their latest album, By the Light of the Moon, a family bluegrass project, was released in October 2024 to positive reception. It was written by Sheila Shukla and her family, and arranged, produced, and performed by Magnolia Street String Band with Bob Harris.
Sean Daniels and the Law Abiding Citizens is a South Jersey based group of musicians who play Americana based music rooted in folk and bluegrass. The bluegrass instrumentation; guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and double bass lend to classic homegrown grassroots sound that honors and continues the timeless tradition of storytelling through music. Each song the band plays lends a glimpse into the duality of living today and times long since passed. With each member steeped in traditional and modern Americana music, The Law Abiding Citizens aim to deliver nothing less than an authentic experience and a hoot hollerin good time for the listeners and players alike!
