Sierra Hull & The Milk Carton Kids

Join us at Poplar Hall in Appleton on Saturday, February 14, 2026 for a special Valentine’s Day performance as two of Americana’s most celebrated acts take the stage together. Mandolin virtuoso Sierra Hull, a two-time Grammy nominee and six-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year, blends deep bluegrass roots with inventive, contemporary flair, while The Milk Carton Kids, the acclaimed duo of Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale, deliver their signature elegant harmonies and finely tuned instrumentation. Together, they’ll create an intimate, soulful evening of acoustic mastery, heartfelt storytelling, and melodic warmth—perfect for celebrating love, friendship, or simply a night of exceptional live music in a stunning riverside venue.

Sierra Hull is a seven-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year, two-time Grammy nominee, and one of the most dynamic voices in bluegrass and Americana. Her latest album, A Tip Toe High Wire, marks a bold new chapter - her first independent release - spotlighting her songwriting and instrumental prowess. Featuring guest appearances by Béla Fleck, Tim O’Brien, and Aoife O'Donovan, the album balances tradition with innovation.

“She’s positioning herself as a musical force not only in bluegrass, but in various genre circles.” - Rolling Stone

“A Tip Toe High Wire upholds her reverence for bluegrass traditions, while simultaneously

looking forward with unique collaborations.” - Billboard

Hull has shared stages with legends like Alison Krauss, Eric Clapton, Sturgill Simpson, Slash, and Robert Randolph, blending technical mastery with heartfelt storytelling. In 2025, Hull performed on NPR’s Tiny Desk and The Kelly Clarkson Show in support of the album. Building on an already accomplished year, Hull became the first female artist honored with a Gibson signature mandolin and was also awarded the Tennessee Governor’s Distinguished Arts Award.

The Milk Carton Kids are a neo-traditional folk duo from Los Angeles, California. Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan formed the group in early 2011, shelving their solo careers in favor of a collaborative project that focused on harmonized vocals, entwined acoustic guitars, and rootsy songwriting. They released their first two albums—the live Retrospect and studio LP Prologue—in 2011, at which time they also began a pattern of persistent touring. Known on the road for their adversarial, Smothers Brothers-evoking comedic banter as well as their virtuosic guitar skills (Pattengale’s intricate picking and Ryan’s airtight rhythm guitar), they added a backing band to the project for the first time in 2018 with their fourth studio album, All the Things That I Did and All the Things That I Didn’t Do.

In its short but impactful existence, Poplar Hall has quickly become a beacon of artistic expression and cultural enrichment in the vibrant city of Appleton. From its grand opening in 2021 to the present day, this venue has been a haven for both musicians and music lovers alike, fostering an atmosphere of creative freedom and camaraderie.

The building's award-winning architecture and its riverfront location in the heart of Appleton attract visitors and locals alike, who are seeking a memorable night filled with exceptional performances.

Poplar Hall has proudly hosted an array of artists, who set the stage ablaze with unforgettable performances such as Sam Bush, Dark Star Orchestra, Keller Williams, Leo Kottke and more.

Part of the RiverHeath project, Poplar Hall sits between the newly constructed Willow building and the Appleton Courtyard Riverfront Hotel. Why not make a weekend out of it by staying at the award-winning Courtyard Marriott right next door. Enjoy the convenience and comfort of their luxurious accommodations before heading to the show.

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