Hey there, JamFam! Get ready to pluck some strings and tap those feet because the world of bluegrass, or more specifically, NewGrass, is absolutely buzzing! Here at JamFest, we’re all about celebrating music that pushes boundaries, and there’s no genre quite like NewGrass that embodies that spirit. It’s a vibrant, evolving sound that respects its roots while fearlessly exploring new sonic territories.
For those perhaps less familiar, let’s take a quick trip back to the 1970s. While traditional bluegrass had its firm foundations, a new wave of bands started to emerge, daring to infuse the genre with elements of jazz, rock, blues, and even classical music. One of the pioneering forces in this sonic revolution was the aptly named “New Grass Revival.” With legends like Sam Bush, Courtney Johnson, Ebo Walker, Curtis Burch, Butch Robins, John Cowan, Béla Fleck, and Pat Flynn gracing its ranks over the years, they weren’t just playing bluegrass; they were redefining it. They were creating “Music Without Rules,” and their legacy continues to inspire countless artists today.
NewGrass News: A Flourishing Scene!
The NewGrass scene isn’t just alive; it’s thriving, bursting with fresh talent and exciting developments. We’ve got some hot off the press news that perfectly illustrates this vitality:
- The 2025 Cherokee Bluegrass Festival just wrapped up its inaugural year under new promoters, Allen Dyer and Lorraine Jordan, and by all accounts, it was a massive success! Always great to see new energy invigorating beloved traditions.
- Junior Sisk has just dropped a heartfelt new track titled “Where Love Goes To Die.” Get ready for some classic storytelling and authentic bluegrass soul.
- The Henhouse Prowlers have unleashed “Unravel,” a testament to their innovative approach and global influences.
- Gena Britt has released “He Likes To Fish,” a delightful tune that’s sure to resonate with many.
- The Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival in Roxboro, NC, has officially kicked off, promising another fantastic gathering of talent.
- Chris Jones & The Night Drivers are actively advancing their artist support, a crucial effort for the community.
- And speaking of accolades, a massive shout-out to Billy Strings, who snagged the Best Bluegrass Album Grammy at the 2025 Grammy Premiere Ceremony! His meteoric rise continues, proving the power and appeal of NewGrass.
- Sierra Ferrell also had a stellar night at the Grammys, walking away with multiple awards, including Best Americana Performance and Best American Roots Song. Her unique sound is captivating audiences far and wide.
- For those who missed out, photos from the 2025 Mount Airy Fiddlers’ Convention and the 2025 Carrboro Bluegrass Festival are now available, capturing the essence of these cherished events.
- And a warm welcome to Greg Blake, who was recently welcomed to North Carolina by Brown Truck Brewery – a perfect blend of good music and good brews!
Get Your Jam On: Upcoming Festivals & Tours!
The summer and fall are absolutely packed with opportunities to experience the magic of bluegrass and NewGrass live. Start planning your road trips now, because you won’t want to miss these:
- The 2025 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival is calling your name from July 16-20 in Oak Hill, NY. The lineup is stacked with legends and innovators: Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush Band, I’m With Her, Sierra Hull, Della Mae, and so many more! This is a must-attend for any serious fan.
- The 53rd Annual RockyGrass Festival runs from July 25-27 in Lyons, CO. Prepare for incredible sets from artists like The Infamous Stringdusters, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, and the incomparable Del McCoury Band.
- Mark your calendars for the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival, August 29-31, 2025, right here in our neck of the woods! The Del McCoury Band and Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder are already confirmed to deliver unforgettable performances.
- And just around the corner, the Moorestown Bluegrass Festival in Moorestown, NJ, is set for September 2025. Details are coming soon, but you know it’ll be a good one!
Greensky Bluegrass: Summer Tour Kicks Off!
Speaking of bands that embody the spirit of “Music Without Rules,” Greensky Bluegrass is about to embark on their highly anticipated summer and fall tour! And what better place to kick things off than The Telluride Bluegrass Festival next weekend? If you’re heading to Telluride, get ready for some serious jamming.
Their tour schedule is massive, so find a date near you and prepare for an incredible night of progressive bluegrass:
- June 19-20: TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL • TELLURIDE, CO
- June 25: SLOWDOWN • OMAHA, NE
- June 26: UPTOWN THEATRE • KANSAS CITY, MO
- June 27: BLUE OX FESTIVAL • EAU CLAIRE, WI
- June 28: BROWN COUNTY MUSIC CENTER • NASHVILLE, IN
- July 2: ROSE MUSIC CENTER • HUBER HEIGHTS, OH
- July 3: OUTER HARBOR • BUFFALO, NY
- July 4: GRASSFIRE FESTIVAL • GARRETTSVILLE, OH
- July 5: THE SALT SHED OUTDOORS • CHICAGO, IL
- July 17: ASHEVILLE YARDS • ASHEVILLE, NC
- July 18: COHAB SPACE • HIGH POINT, NC
- July 19: 4848 FESTIVAL • SNOWSHOE, WV
- July 20: RIVERFRONT LIVE • CINCINNATI, OH
- July 31: PICKATHON • HAPPY VALLEY, OR
- August 1: CENTURY CENTER • BEND OR • w/ River Whyless
- August 2: ODDALALEE CONCERTS AT PIER 62 • SEATTLE, WA
- August 3: KASLO JAZZ ETC • KASLO, BC
- August 9: GRAND TARGHEE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL • ALTA, WY
- August 14-15: PARK CITY SONG SUMMIT • PARK CITY, UT
- August 20: THE MOD CLUB • TORONTO, ON
- August 21: THE FILLMORE • DETROIT, MI
- August 22-23: KRESGE AUDITORIUM • INTERLOCHEN, MI
- September 13: RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATRE • MORRISON, CO • w/ Margo Price
- September 18: SARANAC BREWERY • UTICA, NY
- September 19-21: FRESHGRASS • NORTH ADAMS, MA
- September 20-21: ANNAPOLIS BAYGRASS FESTIVAL • ANNAPOLIS, MD
- September 21: XPONENTIAL MUSIC FESTIVAL • CAMDEN, NJ (Right here in our backyard!)
- October 4: SOUTHERN STRINGS FESTIVAL • AIKEN, SC
- October 8-12: HILLBERRY MUSIC FEST • EUREKA SPRINGS, AR
- October 10: THE PAGEANT • ST. LOUIS, MO
- October 11: PALACE THEATRE • ST. PAUL, MN
And don’t forget, Molly Tuttle is also out on tour with several dates coming up, continuing to charm audiences with her incredible talent.
TuneIn Tonight: The NewGrass Radio Show!
Before you head out to these amazing festivals and shows, make sure you tune in tonight to the NewGrass Radio Show! This is the station and show for traditional artists, but it truly shines by featuring the new generation of amazing artists who are creating those blends of “Music Without Rules!” It’s the perfect way to discover your new favorite band and get a deeper understanding of the incredible diversity within the bluegrass and NewGrass genres.
Keep the Bluegrass Flowing!
The world of bluegrass and NewGrass is dynamic, ever-evolving, and endlessly rewarding. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just starting to explore, there’s a wealth of incredible music waiting for you.
For more deep dives, concert listings, and all the latest news, be sure to check out these fantastic resources:
- Bluegrass Today: Your go-to for comprehensive news, concert listings, and album reviews.
- The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) website: Information on awards and industry news.
- The Bluegrass Situation: Archives of bluegrass news and features.
- Bluegrass Standard: News and information for fans.
- ConcertFix: Lists upcoming bluegrass performances and concert tours.
- The Bluegrass Festival Calendar: Your ultimate guide to confirmed festival dates.
- musicreporterblog.com: Features musings on folk, Americana, country, and bluegrass music.
So crank up the banjo, dust off your dancing shoes, and get ready to experience the vibrant, boundary-pushing sound of NewGrass! The jam is just getting started!