Justin Giuffre & the Pilgrimage began as a modest offshoot of the established Americana bands Whiskey River Panhandlers and Striped Maple Hollow, well-known in the Johnstown region. But unlike most such endeavors, this side project took root and grew into something as worthy as its predecessors. The band plays folk without being folksy — it’s pure, honest acoustic music that draws you in, so you listen close for lyrics, harmony, and every last flourish from the players’ strings.

Songwriter Justin Giuffre handles lead vocals and acoustic guitar, leaving Adam Milkovich to pick up the harmony while playing a mean mandolin. The duo, which has stepped up its local and regional performance schedule, is releasing a self-titled debut CD in time for their appearance at the festival.