Bluegrass music has always been synonymous with tradition, but the genre has come a long way since its roots in the Appalachian hills. As we wrap up 2025, the bluegrass and newgrass scenes are witnessing a seismic shift, driven by a wave of new talent and the continued evolution of the genre. From major award wins to genre-blending collaborations, the future of bluegrass has never looked so exciting. In tonight’s NewGrass Radio Show, we celebrate the growing movement of “Music Without Rules!” by showcasing the new generation of artists pushing boundaries while still honoring bluegrass’s rich legacy.

The Roots of Newgrass: A Legacy of Innovation

While bluegrass has deep ties to tradition, the emergence of newgrass in the 1970s marked a pivotal moment in the genre’s history. Bands like New Grass Revival, featuring legends like Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, and John Cowan, laid the groundwork for a more liberal interpretation of the genre. These trailblazers blended bluegrass with elements of jazz, rock, and folk to create something entirely new—something that embraced the free spirit of experimentation.

Fast forward to 2025, and the newgrass revolution is alive and well, with both veteran artists and newcomers continuing to blur the lines between genres. This December, bluegrass and newgrass music are thriving more than ever, with numerous artists making waves through chart-topping albums, sold-out tours, and groundbreaking collaborations.

Major Artist Updates: Shaping the Future of Bluegrass

The big news this month is centered around some of the genre’s biggest stars, who are pushing the boundaries of what bluegrass can be.

• Billy Strings has been on a meteoric rise, and 2025 has been no exception. The Grammy-winning artist, who claimed Best Bluegrass Album at the 2025 Grammys for Live Vol. 1, also took home Entertainer of the Year at the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards. His success shows no signs of slowing down, with a major 2025 Spring tour in support of his chart-topping album Highway Prayers already announced. His boundary-pushing style continues to inspire both traditionalists and newcomers to bluegrass alike.
• Molly Tuttle made a bold move earlier this year by dissolving her band, Golden Highway. But rather than slowing down, she’s only upped her game. Her new album, So Long Little Miss Sunshine, marks a departure from her previous work, exploring a hybrid of folk-rock, pop, and country in a newgrass style that feels both fresh and deeply rooted. After wrapping up her “The Highway Knows” tour with a sold-out show in San Francisco on December 13, Tuttle has cemented herself as one of the genre’s most innovative artists.
• Sierra Hull, another major name in bluegrass, is having a breakthrough year. With four Grammy nominations on the horizon for 2026, including Best Bluegrass Album for A Tip Toe High Wire, Hull is continuing to push the envelope with her progressive approach to bluegrass. She spent much of December 2025 touring with Béla Fleck & the Flecktones, reinforcing her position as one of the genre’s leading voices.
• Mumford & Sons are another act making waves in the bluegrass world. The band, known for their blend of folk, rock, and bluegrass, has announced their upcoming album, Prizefighter, due out February 13, 2026. The album features collaborations with Chris Stapleton and Hozier, which will no doubt push their sound even further into the newgrass realm.

IBMA & Festival News: Bluegrass’s Growing Global Reach

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has been making big moves this year. For the first time ever, the annual “World of Bluegrass” event is relocating to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it will remain for the next few years, through 2027. This move is expected to bring new energy and exposure to the bluegrass scene, not just in the U.S., but internationally as well.

In other festival news, the Foxfire Newgrass Band has already announced their 2026 tour, with a January 10 kick-off show in Granville, Tennessee. Their innovative take on the newgrass genre promises to keep the bluegrass scene fresh and exciting throughout the year.

Rising Stars: The Big Richard Quartet and New Releases

The bluegrass scene is also witnessing the rise of new talent. The Big Richard Quartet, a group known for its progressive and experimental bluegrass sound, has signed with Signature Sounds and announced their debut album, Pet, scheduled for release in February 2026. This young group is poised to make a big impact with their mix of bluegrass, folk, and experimental soundscapes.

Holiday Releases: A Bluegrass Christmas

December has also seen some exciting holiday releases, blending the warmth of bluegrass with festive cheer:

• Corrina Rose Logston Stephens, under her side project Rrinaco, has released a new traditional carol featuring soft, banjo-driven melodies that are perfect for those who want to keep the Christmas spirit alive in a bluegrass style.
• Béla Fleck has been on the road for his “Jingle All the Way” tour throughout December 2025. He also reissued his beloved holiday album on vinyl, giving fans a chance to enjoy his holiday music with a fresh spin.

What’s Next for Bluegrass in 2026?

The momentum for bluegrass and newgrass is only building, with more tours and collaborations lined up for the coming year. 2026 promises to be a year full of exciting musical breakthroughs, as the genre continues to evolve and expand its global reach. We’ll be keeping our eyes on the artists mentioned above, as well as the many up-and-coming acts that are sure to make their mark in the months to come.

Tonight’s NewGrass Radio Show: Tune in tonight for a special showcase of the best in newgrass and traditional bluegrass music! We’ll feature some of the latest hits, as well as classic tracks from pioneering artists like New Grass Revival. Whether you’re a lifelong bluegrass fan or new to the genre, there’s something for everyone in the world of newgrass, where innovation meets tradition in the most exciting ways.

As we close out December 2025, it’s clear that bluegrass and newgrass music are far from standing still. With major artists continuing to innovate, new collaborations on the horizon, and fresh voices leading the charge, 2026 is set to be another landmark year for these genres.

Stay tuned to JamFest for more updates on the world of bluegrass, newgrass, and everything in between. Music without rules—it’s a movement, and it’s only getting started.