71-d999rtAL._UF1000,1000_QL80_

JamFest Tonight: NewGrass Radio Takes Over Monday Nights — But First, NPR’s All Things Considered Live Sets the Stage

Monday nights on JamFest are quickly becoming THE definitive destination for live music lovers — from historic folk festival performances to boundary-pushing bluegrass innovators redefining tradition for a new generation. And tonight is no exception, with a powerful one-two musical punch:
All Things Considered Live at 7PM EST, followed immediately by NewGrass Radio, our weekly celebration of “Music Without Rules!”

It’s the perfect blend of folk legacy, boundary-breaking artistry, and deep-rooted bluegrass tradition — all in one unforgettable night of programming.


7PM EST — All Things Considered Live Radio Show

“Dive into the vibrant world of NPR-driven artists, showcases, and festival stages across America.”

Each Monday at 7PM, All Things Considered Live takes listeners on a journey through the defining performances of American music. The show highlights exclusive NPR Music recordings from the Newport Folk Festival, SXSW, the 9:30 Club, and countless other genre-shaping stages.

It’s the ideal warm-up for the night — a rich, immersive hour that sets the mood with historic recordings, deep-cut gems, and one-of-a-kind festival sets.

Upcoming ATC Live Events on JamFest

December 1 — Pete Seeger Live at Newport
A riveting collection of performances from Seeger’s 1993 live album, capturing the power, spirit, and social depth of America’s folk troubadour.

December 8 — Peter, Paul & Mary: Newport 1963–65
A showcase of the trio’s most iconic festival performances, including era-defining renditions of “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “If I Had a Hammer.”

December 15 — Diana Krall at Newport Jazz Festival (1999)
A spellbinding full concert from one of modern jazz’s most elegant voices.

December 22 — Janis Joplin w/ Big Brother & The Holding Co. (1968)
A ferocious, soul-baring performance that captures Janis at her peak.

December 29 — Newport Folk Festival 1963 (The Evening Concerts, Vol. 2)
Featuring Theodore Bikel, Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, Dave Van Ronk, Jean Redpath, the Georgia Sea Island Singers, and a finale of “This Land.”

Every week brings something different — a musical time capsule delivered directly to your speakers.


9PM EST — NewGrass Radio Show

“A show for all ages, celebrating traditional roots and the new generation of artists forging the future of bluegrass — Music Without Rules!”

Immediately following All Things Considered Live, NewGrass Radio takes over with an energy entirely its own. This weekly broadcast highlights the innovators who broke open bluegrass in the 1970s and the new wave of artists carrying that revolution forward today.

The Formation of New Grass Revival — Where Modern Bluegrass Took Flight

In the early 1970s, a handful of forward-thinking musicians dared to expand bluegrass beyond its traditional boundaries. That daring spirit resulted in the formation of New Grass Revival, the groundbreaking group whose members included:

  • Sam Bush
  • Courtney Johnson
  • Ebo Walker
  • Curtis Burch
  • Butch Robins
  • John Cowan
  • Béla Fleck
  • Pat Flynn

Their fusion of bluegrass, rock, jazz, folk, soul, and jam-band improvisation created an entirely new musical language — and established the foundation for what we now call NewGrass or progressive bluegrass.

NewGrass Radio keeps that legacy alive every week, blending tradition with evolution, heritage with daring innovation.


Current Bluegrass News — December 1, 2025

Trey Hensley Tops the Charts

Trey Hensley scores the #1 Bluegrass Today airplay chart position for all of November with “Can’t Outrun The Blues.” His flatpicking fire and soulful vocals continue to set him apart as one of the genre’s premier rising stars.

Grand Ole Opry Celebrates 100 Years

The Grand Ole Opry marks a century since its first broadcast — a monumental milestone for the world’s longest-running radio show. A celebratory event spanning country, Americana, gospel, and bluegrass honored the artists who shaped the Opry’s unmistakable sound.

Molly Tuttle Hits the Road

Grammy-winner Molly Tuttle is currently touring her new album So Long Little Miss Sunshine. She brings her virtuosic guitar work and signature songwriting to the Arlington Theatre on Sunday, December 7.

Bluegrass Christmas Tours Kick Off

Seasonal tours are already underway, including the iconic “Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas” tour — a festive showcase of holiday favorites delivered with world-class musicianship.

Local Holiday Bluegrass Releases

A local group has dropped two brand-new holiday offerings — a seasonal treat for fans craving new acoustic Christmas sounds.


Upcoming Historic & Notable Dates

December 12 — International Bluegrass Music Appreciation Day

Created by banjo player Lee Marcus, this annual celebration honors a genre that began in the Appalachian region in the 1940s and continues to thrive across the globe.

December 14 — Monroe Crossing 25th Anniversary Concert

The beloved group Monroe Crossing celebrates 25 years with their special Bluegrass Christmas concert, honoring the legacy of Bill Monroe.

Special Consensus Marks 50 Years

The legendary band Special Consensus celebrates five decades of blending traditional bluegrass with contemporary flair — half a century of influence, excellence, and innovation.


A Monday Night Designed for Bluegrass, Folk, Jazz & Everything In Between

JamFest’s Monday programming delivers a full spectrum of American roots music — honoring the history, celebrating the present, and spotlighting the next generation.

At 7PM: All Things Considered Live brings you the timeless voices of Newport, SXSW, the 9:30 Club, and beyond.
At 9PM: NewGrass Radio explodes with boundary-breaking energy and genre-defying artists.

It’s live music. It’s history. It’s innovation.
It’s Monday night at JamFest.

Tune in, turn it up, and be part of the movement — Music Without Rules.

Tags: No tags

Comments are closed.