Name: Sam Ness and Fox and Bones at the Up North
Start: 2026-05-12T18:00:00-05:00
Location: Up North Bar Madison

Sam Ness and Fox and Bones at the Up North

Up North Bar Madison
6pm Show
FREE ENTRY
FOX AND BONES
The only thing better than dating someone in your band is dating no one in your band. At least it sure sounds that way according to the recent output from Portland based Post-Yacht Rock outfit Fox and Bones, whose best work is coming directly following their split as a romantic duo. Or perhaps it was the addition of internationally acclaimed songwriter Greg Holden, who joined the project as a producer for their 2024 album “Long Time Honey” and upcoming fifth studio record “Are We Still Having Fun”, scheduled for release September of 2026.
Regardless of what has codified the group, the musical result is undeniable. “Are We Still Having Fun” is an expansive step forward for the band, both lyrically and sonically, as the duo tackles technology, the modern political climate, anxiety, party culture and mental health under a musical tapestry that ranges from their familiar retro folk rock to modern Bleachers-esque indi-pop. It is a plunge into the deep end after years of swimming on the surface. When combined with Holden’s surgical production and lyrical input, “Are We Still Having Fun” is primed to be Fox and Bones best record yet.
And after ten years and 200,000 miles, it better be. Fox and Bones has toured tirelessly in their career, sharing stages with the likes of Rayland Baxter, The Dead South, ZZ Ward, Fantastic Cat, ALO and Glitterfox among others and have been awarded first place at the 2023 Tucson Folk Festival songwriting contest and second place in the International Acoustic Music Awards along with earning the Best Folk/Americana Album of 2024 by the PNW Music Awards. In their spare moments they’ve founded and run Portland’s Folk Festival, an annual celebration of folk and roots music hosted by the iconic Crystal Ballroom in their hometown of Portland, Oregon.
SAM NESS
Alongside the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Folk Performer of the Year (2025), Sam Ness is the youngest person to enter the Madison Music Hall Of Fame (for Male Vocalist 2024). Mixing Traditional Folk/Americana roots with an Alternative-Indie feel, with a vault of international busking adventures and more than 1300 shows under his belt, Sam’s catalog is steeped in authenticity. His songs trace the roads he’s walked — from city streets to quiet cabins — always searching for something true. If you’re looking for grit, melody and a voice that moves, Sam’s already on the road.