The highlight of the calendar for artists and fans of bluegrass (and adjacent) music took place in its new home of Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sep 16-20 this year. Despite the expected teething problems associated with any such change of host city, overall it was a resounding success, with five full days and nights of showcases, an industry conference, workshops, awards and official and unofficial jams and collaborations. Once again, I came away with the warm fuzzy feeling that the bluegrass fraternity are the most musical, the most welcoming and the most supportive to younger players than any other musical community. As Craig Havighurst said, they’re not just practicing, they’re playing. My highlights below are just a few of so many more. I hope you can make it next year.
Wyatt Ellis
Shortly after playing electric country guitar in Peter Rowan’s band, another former child prodigy mandolinist Wyatt Ellis demonstrated why I have referred to him as 'the next Marty Stuart’, with a stellar performance on one of the main stages. Not only is he a mandolin whizz, he is developing into a considerable songwriter and band leader, and is still only 16 years old. The mind boggles as to what he will do next!
Sierra Hull & Band
No introductions needed for another one of the bluegrass phenomenons who graced the main stage at the outdoor Miller Park weekend event at WOB. As well as her accomplished touring band, Hull invited her equally talented husband, Justin Moses (above on dobro) to join her on a few songs from her lauded album, A TIPTOE HIGHWIRE, another album that is destined to be in my Top 10 of 2025.
Becky Buller
Becky Buller was showcasing her latest record, a covers album of songs that have helped her through her lifelong struggle with depression and anxiety. Going by her performances during the WOB, SONGS THAT SING ME may well be the best album to date from the award winning fiddle player and songwriter. Pictured above, her band included Jacob Groopman on guitar and Ned Luberecki. Look out for our review of the album soon.
The David Mayfield Parade
Not very well known but hopefully this will change. David Mayfield (formerly of Cadillac Sky) is a larger than life character who fronts an irreverent and dynamic bluegrass band who perform a lot of original bluegrass and gospel material, much of it tongue-in-cheek, with a rock ’n' roll sensibility. Check out the new album, GO BIG OR GO HOME, which will be reviewed here soon.
Rick Faris Band
Another Special Consensus alumnus and one of the busiest artists in bluegrass, luthier and mandolin/guitar player Rick Faris was showcasing his impressive new release, LIFE’S PARADE. His young band includes Henry Byron Burgess on mando, Maddie Dalton on bass and Gibson Davis on banjo. Gibson is the son of Chris Davis (formerly of The Rascals etc) and grandson of Danny Davis.
Mason Via
Recently departed from Old Crow Medicine Show, the North Carolina singer-songwriter and guitar player has taken the chance to go it alone and has a crack collection of musicians helping him do so. His songwriting skills are matched by his guitar playling, but above all he is an outstanding performer with charisma and high energy. Check out his new eponymous album on Mountain Fever Records.
Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter Band
Probably the best two bluegrass fiddlers alive right now, the two are touring together currently, as well as pursuing their own band projects. Joined by a powerhouse band comprising Cody Luper (banjo), Chris Henry (mando), Mike Bub (bass) and Jake Workman (guitar), they were one of the highlights of the entire week. Not only that, they also hopped up on stage with other acts, like Bronwyn Keith-Hynes (aka Mrs Jason Carter) and The Infamous Stringdusters.
Foggy Mountain Spaceship
The completely off-the-wall trio from Colorado were one of the festival favourites. The brain child of Kyle Ussery, they play cosmic banjo music from another dimension and were showcasing their first record, GALAXY TRACKS VOL I. Kyle plays a banjo bass, a banjo synth and a cello banjo; Chris Elliott plays a standard 5-string banjo and Chris Sheldon plays his custom Banjotron Acoustikit 2000 (essentially a multiple percussion unit centred on a banjo!). Seen above with special guest Kyle Tuttle (left), formerly of Molly Tuttle’s Golden Highway etc.
The Faux Paws
The powerhouse trio from New York State brought their explosive blend of dance/old-time/Celtic/bluegrass/jazz/folk and left with many more new fans. Chris Miller (sax and banjo), Noah VanNorstrand (fiddle & feet) and brother Andrew VanNorstrand (guitar) who produced one of my favourite albums of 2025 to date, NO BAD IDEAS, confirmed their status as one of the most exciting acts in string band music right now now.
Report and photos by Eilis Boland