John Prine, Emmylou Harris, Sam Bush on 2016 Telluride Bluegrass lineup

Second Story Garage staff

The Sam Bush Band, Emmylou Harris and John Prine are among the artists on the initial lineup for the 2016 Telluride Bluegrass Festival, the show’s producer, Planet Bluegrass, announced on Friday, Dec. 18.

The initial lineup for the June 16-19 festival also includes Neil Finn, from the 1980s band Crowded House, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, Yonder Mountain String Band, Del McCoury Band, Tim O’Brien Band, Leftover Salmon, Punch Brothers, Jerry Douglas Band and Greensky Bluegrass.

Finn is a highly regarded New Zealand songwriter — not to mention an Officer of the Order of the British Empire — whom Planet Bluegrass has tried to book for many years, Planet spokesman Brian Eyster said.

Some on the lineup are festival favorites. Bush, the “King of Telluride,” as Planet staff know him, will headline this 43rd iteration of the event for the 42nd time.

Harris, the “Queen of Telluride,” is back for the 14th time.

Planet Bluegrass also produces RockyGrass and Rocky Mountain Folks Festival at its Lyons ranch.

Tickets for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival went on sale Dec. 4, and four-day passes sold out in 30 minutes, the fastest in the festival’s history. Saturday and Friday single-day tickets also sold out. Single-day tickets for Thursday and Sunday still are available. Fans may still obtain four-day passes later this winter when, on Tuesdays, Planet Bluegrass offers returned tickets for resale at shop.bluegrass.com. Tickets also could become available on the Telluride ticket exchange at festivarian.com.