Bluegrass Legend David Parmley Rocks Intimate Lorraine's Coffee House

Parmley's powerful vocals and band shine in cozy North Carolina venue

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:27pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a worn, weathered wooden guitar neck and fretboard, with the grain and texture of the wood filling the frame in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the timeless, handcrafted quality of traditional bluegrass instruments.The worn, weathered texture of a bluegrass guitar captures the timeless, handcrafted essence of the genre.Garner Today

Bluegrass icon David Parmley and his talented band delivered an electrifying performance at the intimate Lorraine's Coffee & Cafe in Garner, North Carolina last Friday night. Parmley's soulful baritone voice and the band's virtuosic musicianship captivated the audience, who were treated to a mix of classic Bluegrass Cardinals hits and country standards.

Why it matters

As one of the most revered figures in bluegrass music, David Parmley's live shows are a must-see for fans of the genre. His ability to blend traditional bluegrass with country and gospel influences has earned him a loyal following over his decades-long career. The performance at Lorraine's showcased Parmley's enduring talent and the strength of his current band lineup.

The details

Parmley's current group includes Doug Bartlett on mandolin and fiddle, Dax Lewis on banjo, and John Goad on bass. Despite Bartlett's recent shoulder injury, the band delivered a powerful two-set performance that had the audience enthralled. Parmley's signature soulful vocals shone on classics like 'I Never Go Around Mirrors' and 'Wake Up', while the band's virtuosic playing, including Lewis' impressive Scruggs-style banjo solos, kept the energy high throughout the night. Midway through the second set, Parmley was joined on stage by his fellow founding member of the Bluegrass Cardinals, Randy Graham, adding to the nostalgic feel of the evening.

  • The performance took place on Friday, April 3, 2026.
  • Parmley has been a fixture in the bluegrass scene since the release of the Bluegrass Cardinals' debut album 'Welcome to Virginia' in 1977.

The players

David Parmley

A legendary figure in bluegrass music, known for his soulful baritone vocals and his work with the iconic Bluegrass Cardinals band.

Doug Bartlett

Parmley's current bandmate, playing mandolin, fiddle, and providing harmony vocals, despite a recent shoulder injury.

Dax Lewis

The band's banjo player, known for his impressive Scruggs-style solos and driving rhythm.

John Goad

The newest member of Parmley's band, playing upright bass and delivering sublime tenor harmonies.

Randy Graham

A founding member of the Bluegrass Cardinals, who joined Parmley on stage for a special reunion performance.

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What they’re saying

“Few in the history of bluegrass music could match David's soulful baritone voice, and the passion he conveys delivering country classics like Lefty Frizzell's 'I Never Go Around Mirrors', or his own classic anthem, 'Wake Up', are as good as it gets.”

— John Lawless, Bluegrass Today Writer

What’s next

Parmley and his band are scheduled to perform at the annual Bluegrass on the Green festival in Raleigh, North Carolina on June 15, 2026.

The takeaway

David Parmley's performance at Lorraine's Coffee & Cafe showcased his enduring talent and the strength of his current band lineup, reminding fans why he is considered one of the most revered figures in bluegrass music. The intimate setting allowed the audience to fully appreciate Parmley's soulful vocals and the band's virtuosic musicianship, making for an unforgettable evening of bluegrass excellence.