the beard and the bird
Peace Garden Stage
Saturday, August 29, 2026 - 4:45 pm - 6:15 pm
Blending the high-energy spirit of 1940s Western Swing with the storytelling of modern Folk-Jazz, The Beard and the Bird have carved out a niche in the American roots scene. Based between San Diego and Buffalo, the duo—comprised of Jon and Cat—has built a reputation for a sound that is both technically proficient and hauntingly atmospheric. Their recent work, including the acclaimed single "My Dearest Eloise," highlights a "bi-coastal" creative energy that seamlessly bridges the sunny, acoustic landscapes of Southern California with the grit and soul of the Rust Belt.
The duo’s rapid ascent has been met with significant critical and industry recognition on both sides of the country. Recently named Best Acoustic Duo at the Western New York Night Life Awards, they have also earned a prestigious nomination for Best Folk or Acoustic Song at the San Diego Music Awards. Whether performing at major regional festivals like Gator by the Bay and the Music is Art Festival, or recording at the renowned Afterhours Studio in Ramona, the band’s live chemistry and signature "slap-bass" percussion continue to captivate audiences and critics alike.
As they move into 2026, The Beard and the Bird are channeling their momentum into their most ambitious project to date: their debut full-length album, Kick It OUT. Slated for a Summer 2026 release, the record promises to expand on their "Western Swing" foundations while introducing a bolder, more driving energy to their repertoire. Supported by a tour hitting key markets throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, the album marks a definitive new chapter for a band that treats vintage genres not as museum pieces, but as a vibrant, modern necessity.
