IU Arts and Humanities Presents: Granfalloon Concert Series at Switchyard Park | 1601 S. Rogers St., Bloomington, IN
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings are pillars of the modern acoustic music world and their rich and remarkable careers span over twenty-five years. They have been hailed by Pitchfork as “modern masters of American folk” and “protectors of the American folk song” by Rolling Stone and the New York Times says “their combined voices operate beyond simple sonic harmony. There are emotional inquiries at play. If Welch’s voice delivers the good news or the hard news of the world, Rawlings’s voice comes underneath, asking how much deeper the sadness can go or what fresh heights the ecstatic can climb to.”

Their most recent 10th studio album, Woodland, won the 2025 Best Folk Album GRAMMY. Woodland was named for and recorded at Welch and Rawlings’ own Woodland Sound Studios in Nashville, TN. Of the album and studio, Welch said, “Woodland is at the heart of everything we do and has been for the last twenty some years. The past four years were spent almost entirely within its walls, bringing it back to life after the 2020 tornado and making this record. The music is (songs are) a swirl of contradictions, emptiness, fullness, joy, grief, destruction, permanence. Now.” The new 10-song collection mingles full band tracks with intricate duet performances all tied together with the duo’s signature sound and lyricism and cements the pair’s iconoclastic position at the forefront of acoustic music.

Welch and Rawlings continue to tour the world in support of their music while simultaneously writing and lending their talents to countless fellow artists’ projects. They are continuously working to release their acclaimed catalog on vinyl of the highest possible fidelity. The vinyl edition of the new album Woodland is mastered by David Rawlings directly from the original analog master tapes to his own custom lathe. Acony Records is proud to be partnering with the all-new Paramount Pressing & Plating in Denver, Colorado, a joint venture between Rawlings and esteemed plating craftsman Gary Salstrom, to produce superior vinyl records.

GRANFALLOON 2026
Presented by the IU Arts and Humanities Council and inspired by legendary Hoosier author Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Granfalloon brings together musicians, artists, thinkers, and good people from all walks of life for a celebration of art, ideas, and community.

The series connects the academic year with the Bloomington summer arts season and highlights the creative spirit of our region by tapping into the enduring ethos of Vonnegut’s life and work: promoting civic engagement, encouraging independent thought, and championing art and creativity as essential to the spiritual life of individuals and the health of our democracy.

Granfalloon is presented in partnership with the Indiana University Office of the Vice President for University Relations, the City of Bloomington, Visit Bloomington, and the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Events take place in venues all around Bloomington and encompass a wide range of creative forms including live music concerts, literary readings, art exhibits, film screenings, theatrical performances, panel discussions, interactive demos and more! The full schedule is available at granfalloon.iu.edu

GRANFALLOON @ SWITCHYARD POLICIES

The Performance takes place on the MAIN STAGE

Tickets:
All tickets purchased online will be sent as e-tickets to the email address associated with your account. The e-tickets will be listed within your confirmation email. I you have questions you can reach us at (812) 323-3020 ext 1. Tuesday - Friday from 11am- 5pm and Saturday from 12pm - 5pm.

GA- Lawn: General Admission access to the Switchyard performance lawn. (lawn chairs and blankets permitted.)
Pit – Standing Reserved: For the super-fan! Pit tickets provide front and center stage area access
VIP: The comfort option! VIP side stage tickets provide access to the side stage lawn areas near the stage and the following upgrades: Stage view with shade, Dedicated entrance, Early entry, Two complimentary drink vouchers, Access to VIP bar and premium food options, VIP restrooms.

PARKING:
There are several PARKING LOTS at different entrances of the park. These lots are located off Rogers St., Walnut St. and Grimes Ln. Please allow yourself plenty of time to find a space and walk to the venue.

ENTRY:

General event entry will be from the west side of the PERFORMANCE LAWN located near the shelter on the west of the stage. Please have your e-tickets ready and available to scan in upon arrival.

BAGS:
Bags cannot be larger than 13” x 15” - clear bags encouraged! Security will check bags and ensure food/beverage and safety guidelines are followed. Guests may not bring bags larger than 13”x15”, signs, noisemaking items, weapons, hard objects, chairs, or other items that will detract from the performance.

FOOD & DRINK:
Outside food and drinks are not allowed into the concert area with the exception of plastic water bottles or drinks poured into plastic cups purchased at the event. Lids should be removed from water bottles. (no projectiles)

ACCESSIBILITY:
The Granfalloon @ Switchyard Concert Series takes place outside at Switchyard Park and as such all sidewalks have ramps for those in need. Visitors who use wheelchairs or mobility devices are welcome to use the accessible pavers immediately in front of the Main Stage as a seating area during performances and programs. Follow our Main Stage Concert signage for accessible seating options. If you need other accommodations made or have questions, please visit our Home Base Tent during the festival or email us at ahcounc@iu.edu.

More information about Switchyard Park accessibility can be found here: https://switchyardpark.com/park-information/accessibility/
If mobility challenges might prevent you, a friend or family member from fully enjoying Granfalloon, we encourage you to make use of free mobility device loans from our community partners, the Mobility Aids Lending Library and the Monroe County Public Library. The Mobility Aids Lending Library loans larger items such as manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs and electric scooters from its location at First Christian Church at 205 E. Kirkwood Avenue. Smaller items like walkers, rollators, canes and crutches may be checked out through the Monroe County Public Library located at 303 E. Kirkwood Avenue.

For any further accessibility accommodation needs and inquiries, please email our staff at ahcounc@iu.edu.

PURCHASING ON-SITE:
Cash and card will be accepted by most venders. Onsite ticket sales will be card only.

RE-ENTRY:
Re-entry to the performance lawn will be permitted with a wristband. You will receive the wristband at the time your ticket is scanned. No Alcohol will be permitted outside the fenced area.

LAWN CHAIRS & BLANKETS:
Lawn chairs and blankets are permitted into the performance lawn area but should be used in non-crowded spaces.

RESTROOMS:
There are restrooms located to the west of the performance lawn.

DOGS/ANIMALS:
There are no animals allowed in the venue unless they are a service animal.

This event is not happening at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater but at Switchyard Park located at 1601 South Rogers Street, Bloomington, IN, 47403.