The line-up for American Acoustic with Chris Thile, a four-day festival curated by mandolinist, singer, and composer Chris Thile at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, June 22–25, 2016, has been announced. The performances feature collaborations between Thile and performers including Punch Brothers, Michael Daves, Edgar Meyer, and others, focusing on the idea that tradition is innovation that lasts. Through a handful of concerts in venues across the Center, American Acoustic with Chris Thile showcases groundbreaking artistry and a diverse array of styles.

For the festival's opening on June 22, Thile shares the stage with singer/guitarist Michael Daves—his bluegrass duo partner and counterpart on the critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated album Sleep with One Eye Open, released on Nonesuch in 2011. The following evening, June 23, will see Thile alongside composer/singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane, guitarist Julian Lage, and vocalist Merrill Garbus in a special performance featuring each artist's original compositions as well as joint material. Both of these events will be held at 7 PM in the intimate Terrace Theater.

The festival's marquee concert takes place on June 24 at 8 PM in the Concert Hall and features an all-star lineup of some of Thile's frequent collaborators and closest friends, including his fellow Punch Brothers, banjo player Béla Fleck, celebrated bassist Edgar Meyer, and the trio I'm With Her, which comprises Americana singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Sara Watkins, Aoife O'Donovan, and Sarah Jarosz. The festival culminates on June 25 with a performance and Q&A session led by Thile and designed for younger audiences. This event takes place at noon in the Family Theater.

Extending the festival's accessibility and reach to a wider audience, Thile will also lead three educational events that are free and open to the general public—a late-night jam session on June 23 and two performance workshops on June 25. These events feature the participation of festival artists and fellow musicians, including Punch Brothers, Aoife O'Donovan, and Sarah Jarosz.

Tickets for American Acoustic with Chris Thile go on sale to Kennedy Center Members on Monday, April 4, and to the general public on Thursday, April 7, 2016. For additional details and tickets, visit kennedy-center.org.