In the swirling confluence of tradition and innovation, a genre has quietly evolved from the Appalachian hills and folk circuits into a genre-defying, sonic powerhouse that speaks to a new generation of music lovers. Welcome to NewGrass, the progressive frontier of bluegrass music—where banjos meet synthesizers, mandolins jam with drum kits, and harmony-rich vocals explore modern themes with ancient soul.
At JamFest, we’re all about that genre-blurring energy, and NewGrass is one of the hottest spots on the musical map right now. So buckle in as we explore the who’s who, what’s what, and where-to-be of this rootsy, radical movement.
🎶 What Is NewGrass?
Coined in the 1970s, the term “NewGrass” (short for new bluegrass) refers to a progressive subgenre that expands traditional bluegrass music by infusing elements from rock, jazz, funk, folk, jam bands, and even psychedelia. It often maintains the high-level musicianship and acoustic instrumentation of bluegrass (banjo, mandolin, fiddle, upright bass, etc.) while loosening the genre’s formal constraints.
Think of NewGrass as the rebellious, genre-fluid cousin of traditional bluegrass. It honors its past but pushes into new, often unexpected directions—making it the perfect fit for today’s genre-agnostic listeners.
🌟 Key Artists Defining the Scene
Here’s a deep lineup of artists who’ve either pioneered or are currently reinventing NewGrass and modern Americana:
🎸 Legends and Pioneers
- Sam Bush – Often called the “Father of NewGrass,” Bush was a founding member of the New Grass Revival and continues to be a vital force.
- Béla Fleck – A virtuosic banjo innovator who blends bluegrass with jazz, classical, and world music. His work with the Flecktones and Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn is essential.
- David Grisman – Creator of “Dawg music,” Grisman fused bluegrass with jazz and Latin rhythms in collaborations with Jerry Garcia and others.
- Tony Rice – The late, legendary guitarist was a cornerstone of progressive bluegrass and acoustic jazz.
🪕 Modern Titans
- Punch Brothers – Led by Chris Thile (of Nickel Creek), their chamber-bluegrass style is virtuosic, cerebral, and deeply emotional.
- Billy Strings – The face of modern NewGrass. He’s a powerhouse live performer blending bluegrass with psych-rock, jam band vibes, and intense storytelling.
- Greensky Bluegrass – These guys stretch bluegrass into rock territory with electrified sets, improv jams, and big festival energy.
- Trampled by Turtles – A Minnesota-based band blending folk, punk energy, and traditional roots instrumentation.
- Yonder Mountain String Band – Longtime jamgrass stalwarts who bring bluegrass instruments into the jam band space.
- The Infamous Stringdusters – Grammy-winning band known for pushing bluegrass into jam, funk, and even EDM territory.
- Railroad Earth – Blending Americana with bluegrass, folk, and jam-band elements.
- The Dead South – Canadian folk-bluegrass with a gritty, gothic vibe.
- Kitchen Dwellers – Psychedelic bluegrass (“galaxy grass”) with sci-fi themes and jam-heavy shows.
- Horseshoes & Hand Grenades – Raw, organic string music with foot-stomping energy.
🎤 Americana Crossovers
- Tyler Childers – Appalachian-rooted storytelling with country, bluegrass, and soul-folk textures.
- Sturgill Simpson – Psychedelic outlaw country with rootsy overtones and bluegrass deep cuts (Cuttin’ Grass albums are straight fire).
- The Avett Brothers – Folk-rock-pop hybrid with banjo roots and lyrical emotionalism.
- Old Crow Medicine Show – Revivalist string-band energy meets hard-hitting Americana anthems.
- Caamp – Soulful, indie-folk with banjo flourishes.
- Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway – Grammy-winning flatpicker blending traditional skills with modern songwriting.
- Sierra Ferrell – A rising Americana star with a voice from another era and instrumentation that touches on country, jazz, and folk.
- Rising Appalachia – Ethereal, earthy folk with global roots and Appalachian soul.
🎪 The Festivals: Where the Magic Happens
NewGrass thrives in live settings. Here’s where the faithful gather:
🏕️ Major Festivals & Gatherings
- Telluride Bluegrass Festival (CO) – The spiritual home of NewGrass. Mountains, mandolins, and magic.
- MerleFest (NC) – Celebrates “traditional plus,” bringing together bluegrass, folk, country, and beyond.
- DelFest (MD) – Founded by Del McCoury, it’s a family-friendly fest mixing bluegrass royalty with progressive acts.
- Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival (NY) – One of the East Coast’s top roots music fests.
- Suwannee Spring Reunion (FL) – Held in the iconic Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, a jam-heavy celebration of roots and Americana.
- FreshGrass (MA & AR) – A modern, artsy festival dedicated to pushing the boundaries of bluegrass and roots.
- String Summit (OR) – High energy meets hippie vibes. Yonder Mountain String Band headlines this Oregon-based jamgrass fest.
- RockyGrass (CO) – Traditional but progressive, run by Planet Bluegrass (same folks as Telluride).
- High Sierra Music Festival (CA) – Not just bluegrass but a genre-melting celebration featuring many jamgrass acts.
- WinterWonderGrass (CO, CA, VT) – A wintertime fusion of music, skiing, and community, with stacked lineups of bluegrass/jam artists.
🎧 Essential Albums to Get Hooked
Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned picker, these albums will pull you deep into the world of NewGrass:
- “Turmoil & Tinfoil” – Billy Strings
- “Who’s Feeling Young Now?” – Punch Brothers
- “Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1 & 2” – Sturgill Simpson
- “The Infamous Stringdusters” – The Infamous Stringdusters
- “The Phosphorescent Blues” – Punch Brothers
- “Live at Red Rocks” – Greensky Bluegrass
- “Farewell Hello” – Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
- “Old Crow Medicine Show” – Old Crow Medicine Show
- “Long Violent History” – Tyler Childers (features old-time fiddle throughout)
📻 NewGrass and Americana Media Hubs
- The Bluegrass Situation – Curated by Ed Helms (yep, The Office), this site and podcast network champions roots music with a modern lens.
- JamBase – Live music lovers’ home base with deep NewGrass coverage.
- Relix Magazine – Covers the jam scene with a spotlight on genre-bending acoustic artists.
- WMOT Roots Radio (Nashville) – Americana and roots music 24/7.
- No Depression – A leading voice in Americana journalism.
🧬 Why It Matters
NewGrass isn’t just a genre—it’s a movement. It celebrates technical mastery while embracing experimentation. It connects us to folk traditions but lets us explore fresh, modern stories. It brings acoustic players into the world of improvisation and spontaneity usually reserved for electric bands.
At its core, NewGrass is about community, storytelling, and freedom—values that resonate just as deeply now as they did on Appalachian front porches a century ago.
🌄 Final Strum
Whether you’re moshing to Billy Strings at Red Rocks, dancing barefoot in a Telluride meadow, or quietly streaming a Sierra Ferrell ballad in your room, you’re a part of something beautifully alive. NewGrass, jamgrass, progressive bluegrass—call it what you will. It’s here, it’s now, and it’s bending tradition with grace, grit, and groove.
Catch you at the next pickin’ circle. 🎻🔥
JamFest’s NewGrass Radio Show: A Monday Night Tradition Celebrating the Best in Bluegrass Music
At JamFest, we believe in the power of music to connect, inspire, and create lasting memories. Our commitment to showcasing the finest in live performances and festival culture is evident through our diverse programming lineup. One of our standout offerings is the NewGrass Radio Show, airing every Monday night. This show is a tribute to the dynamic world of NewGrass—a progressive evolution of traditional bluegrass music that blends elements of rock, jazz, and folk.
🌟 About the NewGrass Radio Show
Schedule: Every Monday Night
Format: A curated selection of live performances from both classic and contemporary NewGrass artists, highlighting the genre’s rich history and innovative future.www.fmradiofree.com
Purpose: To honor the legacy of bluegrass music while introducing listeners to its modern interpretations and fusion genres.
🎶 Show Highlights
- Live Performances: Each episode features live tracks from renowned NewGrass artists, offering listeners an immersive concert experience from the comfort of their own space.
- Artist Spotlights: Deep dives into the careers and musical journeys of influential NewGrass musicians, providing context and stories behind the music.
- Listener Engagement: Interactive segments where listeners can request songs, share their thoughts, and become part of the JamFest community.
🌍 Global Reach
JamFest’s NewGrass Radio Show isn’t confined to a specific region; it’s a global celebration of music. In less than a year since its launch, JamFest has garnered thousands of unique listeners across more than 60 countries worldwide. This international reach underscores the universal appeal of NewGrass music and JamFest’s dedication to connecting cultures through song.Concho Valley Homepage
📻 How to Tune In
Listening to the NewGrass Radio Show is simple:
- Visit Our Website: Stream the show directly from our official website.
- TuneIn App: JamFest is exclusively available on TuneIn, allowing you to listen on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart speakers. TuneIn
- Social Media: Follow us on our social media platforms for real-time updates, behind-the-scenes content, and direct links to our broadcasts.
🎧 Join the JamFest Community
The NewGrass Radio Show is more than just a broadcast; it’s a community of music enthusiasts who share a passion for bluegrass and its modern adaptations. By tuning in, you’re not just listening to music; you’re participating in a movement that celebrates tradition, innovation, and the joy of live performance.
Contact Us:
Embark on a musical journey every Monday night with the NewGrass Radio Show on JamFest. Experience the evolution of bluegrass music, discover new artists, and become part of a community that celebrates the rich tapestry of live festival performances.