Kirstie Kraus to Return to for the 8th Annual Biloxi Box Set Music Festival

Kirstie Kraus is a Nashville-based independent country music artist, songwriter, and television host originally from Wisconsin. Known for her high-energy performances and a sound that blends modern country with rock, blues, and funk, she was recently honored as the 2024 Country Female Artist of the Year at the Josie Music Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry. 

Early Life and Education

  • Hometown: She spent her first 14 years in Janesville, Wisconsin, before moving to De Pere, where she graduated high school in 2008.
  • Early Start: Kraus began performing at age two and started community theater, dance, and piano lessons by age six. She wrote her first full song at 12 and released her first record, Sweet Music, that same year.
  • Education: She attended Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin, graduating in 2012 with a degree in business marketing and sales—skills she credits as vital to her career as an independent musician. 

Musical Career

  • Midwest Roots: Before moving to Nashville, she fronted the popular Midwest band Thirsty Jones. Her dedicated fanbase is still affectionately known as “The Thirsties”.
  • Nashville Move: She moved to Nashville full-time in 2017 to focus on her solo career and songwriting.
  • Debut Album: Her debut album, Yes You Can, features 11 tracks and encapsulates her personal motto of positive thinking.
  • Key Singles: Notable releases include “Delusional” (2018), “Gotta Do,” “Silver,” “Beaches Be Crazy,” and the anthem “Dab a Dolly”. 

Hosting and Television

In addition to her music, Kraus is an active host for several networks: 

  • CountryLineTV: Serving as a host for this international country music platform.
  • The Heartland Network: Hosting content for this country music-focused television network. 

Notable Appearances & Awards

  • Venues: She has performed at iconic locations such as the Bluebird Cafe, The Listening Room, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
  • Recognition: Her music has been featured on Spotify’s All New Country editorial playlist and Apple Music’s The Ty Bentli Show.
  • Awards: In addition to her 2024 Josie Music Award, she has received recognition in Madison Magazine’s “Best of Madison” annual rankings. 

Kirstie Kraus will team up with Danny Spiro and is scheduled to perform at the Biloxi Box Set Music Festival on Friday, September 11, 2026

Registration for the 8th Annual Biloxi Box Set Music Festival (September 10–12, 2026) is currently open. 

Ticket & Registration Details

  • Full Registration: Access to the entire event area and beachside performances is priced at $100 per person.
  • Day Passes: $50 each day during the 2026 festival.
  • Where to Buy: You can register online HERE for the Towns Around Biloxi Parrot Head Club Biloxi Box Set Music Festival 2026.
  • Payment by Mail: You can also pay by check payable to “Towns Around Biloxi Parrot Head Club” sent to their Treasurer in Biloxi.
  • Cause: Proceeds from the 2026 event support Veterans across the Mississippi Gulf Coast in honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

Venue Information

  • Location: The festival is held at the South Beach Hotel & Suites (1735 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS).
  • Atmosphere: Stage is set up directly on the beach behind the hotel, offering a “trop rock” vibe with sand-side dancing.

To stay updated on the entertainment schedule, you can monitor these official channels:

Attendance & Registration

Access to the performance area is exclusive to registered attendees. 

  • Cost: Registration is priced at $100 per person and proceeds to benefit Veterans Organizations across the Mississippi Gulf. Coast
  • DAY PASSES are $50 per Day per person
  • Tickets: You can register HERE

The Full Line Up of Artists is as Follows:

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Friday, September 11, 2026

Saturday, September 12, 2026

EMCEE by Greg Dumas

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