Y’all Ready for a Cleverly-Crafted Night of Bluegrass Mayhem? Go All In June 21st - Lost at the Lake Summer Concert Series
Paul Harris (left) and the Cleverlys
Lake Norman, get ready to welcome one of the most entertaining bluegrass comedy acts on the planet! The New York Times said it best,” "If Earl Scruggs, Dolly Parton and Spinal tap spawned a litter of puppies, it would be The Cleverlys".
Paul Harris — aka “Digger Cleverly” — and the band can’t wait to hit the stage at Lost Worlds Brewing as part of Lost at the Lake concert series in partnership with the Cain Center. Harris says, “We love North Carolina! NC fans were some of the first to really get what we’re doing.”
Expect big laughs, tight musicianship, and a roster of bluegrass twists on pop hits. Every show is a unique ride—packed with improvisation, crowd-driven comedy, and jam band energy! We sat down with Paul Harris (PH), the founder, bandleader, frontman, and lead vocalist of The Cleverlys. He serves as the band's "patriarch," guiding their comedic bluegrass performances and playing guitar on stage. Here’s what he had to say!
LW: How does it feel to return to North Carolina for the 'Lost at the Lake' concert series, and what can fans expect?
PH: We love North Carolina! NC fans were some of the first to really get what we’re doing. Y’all appreciate musicianship, and you love to laugh. You’re going to love the line-up of players and material! I’m excited about playing some new material in NC, tunes and jokes, and even some stuff we haven’t played out there in a while.
LW: Your bluegrass renditions of pop hits like "Low" and "Gangnam Style" are both unexpected and delightful. How do you select which songs to transform, and what does your creative process entail when reimagining these tracks in your signature style?PH:
PH:The songs choose us! If it’s a good song in another genre it will make a great BG song. I feel like if you are musically open minded and aren’t caught up on what BG is or isn’t arrangements come pretty easy. Mix with butter and play, I always say.
LW: What Taylor Swift song is most likely to be played by The Cleverlys, and why?
PH: “Look what you made me do”, for sure. It’s got a cool base line and a hook that gets stuck in my head.
LW: With a blend of humor and high-caliber musicianship, how do you balance the comedic aspects of your show with the technical demands of bluegrass performance?
PH: I really let the audience determine which direction the show goes. Some audiences want to dance and get rowdy, that’s when we go into jam band mode. Some audiences are really attentive and really into the comedy. The first 10 minutes of a set tells me which direction to head. I never follow a set list.
LW: Performing at the Grand Ole Opry is a milestone for many artists. You've graced that iconic stage multiple times, including your recent performance on May 16, 2025. How has your experience at the Opry influenced your musical journey, and what does it mean to you to be part of such a storied tradition?
PH: I teared up on stage first half a dozen times that we played there. I have been steeped in the music and comedy that has come off the stage of the Opry. The Cleverlys are a product of that. It means more than I can even put into words to walk out onto that stage.
LW: What's the funniest story you can share from your travels on the road?
PH: We have a lot of fun times. So many stories. I don’t type very well and would take all day for me to scratch out an entire story for ya, but come to the show and I’ll tell it to ya!
LW: Do you have any superstitions when you perform?
PH: I’m not a superstitious person. Prepare and trust in your preparation.
LW: What’s the one thing you want Lost at the Lake concert-goers to know before your show on June 21st at Lost Worlds Brewing?
PH: I’m a Scorpio and love long walks on the beach.
Ready to laugh, clap, and holler along? Secure your spot and buy tickets now — this one-of-a-kind evening is expected to sell out. Don’t miss your chance to experience The Cleverlys live under the stars in the back lot at Lost Worlds Brewing.
Find all the details about Lost at the Lake Summer Concert Series here.
Check out the rest of the summer line-up too!