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As someone who books bluegrass festivals across the country, I’m always looking for records that not only sound good in the studio but also translate to live performance. Junior Sisk’s It’s All Fun and Games is one of those records. Released by Turnberry Records, the 11-track album is a blueprint for why this band continues to be one of the most reliable and crowd-pleasing acts on the circuit.
URL: https://www.juniorsisk.com/
From the first notes of “Where Love Goes To Die,” you can tell this album is going to hit hard on stage. Junior’s voice—honored multiple times by IBMA and SPBGMA—is rich, clear, and commanding. It’s the kind of voice that cuts across an outdoor festival field and immediately hushes the crowd. That’s gold for promoters like me. Add to that the chemistry of his band—Heather Berry Mabe’s angelic harmonies, Jonathan Dillon’s razor-sharp mandolin, Tony Mabe’s banjo drive, and Curt Love’s steady bass—and you’ve got a package that guarantees ticket sales.
The title track, “It’s All Fun and Games,” is destined to become a festival singalong. It has the energy, the humor, and the hook that gets people moving. I can already picture fans clapping along in the summer heat as Sisk leans into the microphone with that sly grin of his. Meanwhile, songs like “Still Be Blue” and “The Last Time Again” bring the heartache that bluegrass audiences expect. The pacing of the album is perfect—just as a festival set should be—with peaks of joy and valleys of sorrow.
“Sweeter Than Tupelo Honey” will no doubt be a crowd favorite. It’s light, romantic, and accessible even to casual listeners who may not be diehard bluegrass fans. That’s important when you’re programming festivals that attract a mix of traditionalists and newcomers. By contrast, “The Devil’s Train” is going to close out sets with fire. It’s got drive, darkness, and drama—the kind of barnburner that sends people running to the merch table after the show.
What makes It’s All Fun and Games such a useful record for promoters is not only the quality of the music but also the consistency. Junior Sisk has a track record of delivering. From Heart of a Song to Load the Wagon, his albums translate into award wins, chart-toppers, and unforgettable shows. This new record continues that tradition, which gives promoters confidence when booking him for prime slots.
Festivals thrive on moments that feel timeless, and Junior Sisk knows how to create those. Whether it’s through mournful ballads like “I Don’t Hurt Anymore” or the clever wit of “An Eye For And I Do,” he delivers songs that resonate deeply with audiences. With It’s All Fun and Games, Sisk has provided another set of tools that guarantee memorable live performances. For promoters, that means happy fans, strong ticket sales, and successful festivals. For the audiences, it means pure bluegrass joy.
Jennifer Munoz
