Formed by old friends within the vibrant Minneapolis music scene, Pert Near Sandstone has been tireless stewards of the midwestern roots music community for over two decades. Performing with infectious energy and an undeniable joy, Pert Near’s strong songcraft melds with old-time sensibilities in a unique brand of modern string band music they deliver to fans around the world. As festival favorites in both the US and Europe, the band helped to launch the Blue Ox Music Festival in 2015, which they continue to host and curate each June in Eau Claire, WI. For the past decade, the now prestigious music festival has helped bring into the local community a great many nationally treasured artists such as Billy Strings, Tyler Childers, Jason Isbell, Bela Fleck, Del McCoury Band, Sierra Ferrell, Colter Wall, The Avett Brothers, Margo Price, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Charley Crockett, Justin Townes Earle, Punch Brothers, Molly Tuttle, Drive By Truckers, and so many more. Their new studio record, Side By Side, was released in February of 2026 and the band will be touring North America and Europe in support of the release throughout 2026 and 2027.