The Special Consensus @ Focal Point

Special Consensus, marking its 50th anniversary in 2025, continues to deliver a vibrant contemporary bluegrass sound deeply rooted in tradition. The band released a brand-new album, Been All Around This World, on the Nashville-based Compass Records label in June, 2025. Led by founder Greg Cahill, a recipient of the prestigious International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Distinguished Achievement Award and an inductee into the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) Hall of Greats, Special Consensus has been a cornerstone of the bluegrass community for five decades. The group has released 22 acclaimed recordings, earned eight IBMA awards, and received two Grammy nominations – a testament to their enduring artistry and innovation.

Special Consensus’ sound is grounded in a deep appreciation and understanding of bluegrass music, incorporating both the drive and harmonies of the traditional sound with the more contemporary sounds and repertoire of today. With the foundation of Greg’s unique banjo playing style and the vocal prowess of the 2023 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year Greg Blake (guitar), Dan Eubanks (bass) and Brian McCarty (mandolin), these musicians effortlessly support each other and consistently maintain their bluegrass center whether they’re playing a jazz-tinged instrumental or a song from any of their award-winning recordings. These four talented vocalists and instrumentalists follow their creative desires without straying too far from their roots.