Ricky Skaggs is opening up the 2026 lineup for Rubber Soul Productions as the first of three shows taking place at the Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School auditorium, 400 W. Grand Ave., Wittenberg.
All concerts begin at 4 p.m.
Skaggs opens the series on Feb. 22. With a career spanning over six decades, Skaggs stands as a towering figure in American music, blending the timeless spirit of bluegrass with the innovation of modern country. A prodigious talent from Cordell, Kentucky, Skaggs made his stage debut at age 6 alongside Bill Monroe and went on to shape the genre with trailblazing acts like the Clinch Mountain Boys, J.D. Crowe and The New South, and Emmylou Harris’s Hot Band.
Skaggs’ breakthrough in mainstream country music came in the 1980s, when his string of number one hits and Country Music Association Awards — including 1985’s Entertainer of the Year — helped usher in the New Traditionalist movement, revitalizing the genre with his distinctive fusion of roots authenticity and Nashville polish.
Skaggs later returned to his bluegrass roots with unmatched energy and artistry, founding Skaggs Family Records and earning multiple Grammy Awards alongside his world-renowned band, Kentucky Thunder. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and awarded the National Medal of Arts, Skaggs continues to be a vital force in American roots music. Whether performing heartfelt gospel, lightning-fast instrumentals, or genre-defying collaborations, Skaggs brings a blend of tradition and innovation to every stage he graces.
Kelly John Gibson will open the show. Tickets are available at www.rubbersoulproductions.com for $65-$75.
Dale Watson and His Lone Stars is next in Rubber Soul’s lineup, performing March 22.
Watson is an award-winning real country musician and producer who has been creating and performing live for more than 40 years. He’s shared the stage with icons like Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson—to name a few—and has been featured on David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel and at Austin City Limits. Most of the time, he is touring the world, killing it for his fans, and keeping the country music roots sound alive.
With more than 30 albums and singles, Dale knows his way around the recording studio, which is why he built Wat-sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, complete with the 1937 board from Sun Studio.
Zach Moulton will open the show. Tickets can be purchased on the website for $35-$50.
Wrapping up the Wittenberg series is Jeremy Pinnell on April 19.
Pinnell, Kentucky’s son from across the river, is a soft-spoken man, born to an area that is equal parts Southern hospitality, Northern attitude and Midwestern charm. Raised from humble beginnings of singing in church and learning the guitar from his father, his craft quickly made heads turn and rooms fall silent.
With his departure from home at 18 to venture into the unknown with only his music, this young man soon found himself surrounded by the demons of the world he used to try and sing away. The stories told are true, not embellished folklore. While he has returned to his humble beginnings and is living an honest life, is experiences must be heard to be believed.
Pat Reedy will open the show. Tickets can be purchased on the website for $35-$50.
Single show tickets or discounted season ticket options are available by contacting Wyman at 715-584-4203. For information, follow Rubber Soul Productions, LLC on Facebook or visit the website.
