Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion 2025: A Preview Guide

Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion festival returns to State Street in Downtown Bristol for its 24th annual installment this weekend, September 19-21.

by Luke Brogden

(Edited by D-B EXCEL Junior Aniya Stidham; reporting from students in Professional Communications I)

Blank has a long-running tradition of dedicated festival coverage across the Southeast, and we’re proud to bring another student-produced preview guide and coverage package this year, courtesy of STEM students at D-B EXCEL Academy in Downtown Kingsport.

This year marks the 24th installment of the Bristol Rhythm & Roots festival. This annual event features roots music legends like Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, along with up-and-comers like Holy Roller, and has come a long way since its inaugural debut in 2001. 

The festival was created to honor the 1927 Bristol Sessions, which many have named “The Big Bang of Country Music.” This event, catalyzed by New York record man Ralph Peer in search of promoting “hillbilly music,” advertising and drawing mountain musicians from far and wide, was seen as the turning point for music culture in Bristol, the burgeoning country music industry, and the start of many successful music careers, from the Carter Family to Jimmie Rodgers.

Similarly to the 1927 Bristol sessions, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival brings country music to large groups of people. Music lovers from all over come to celebrate and enjoy the country music festival. 

This event, taking place in downtown Bristol, has much to offer for both children and adults alike! Children can enjoy the festival at the Kids’ Zone, located in the Johnny Wood Plaza behind the festival’s food court, or even enjoy the dedicated children’s day on Saturday, September 20th, from 10 A.M, to 1 P.M. Children’s Day is a free event and no festival wristband is needed to celebrate. These children-related activities will have lots of food and fun for everyone to enjoy! Additionally, adults can celebrate the festival’s “Yoga rocks!” day, located on the Country Music Mural stage at 9 AM. 

Designated areas for food will be located throughout the festival as well, including five different food trucks in the Kids’ Zone on the 20th.

All this and more is waiting for Rhythm and Roots attendees on State Street in downtown Bristol on September 19-21–we hope to see you there!

Check out our comprehensive preview guide below:

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder

A fixture in the bluegrass community for decades, Ricky Skaggs has seen it all, and won just about every award, from the IBMA and Country Music Halls of Fame to the National Medal of Arts. He’s played with all the bluegrass and country heavyweights, having been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1982, when as a teen prodigy he was the youngest ever at the time. Skaggs has also collaborated with prominent acts from other genres, like Phish and the Raconteurs and Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. Skaggs boasts over a dozen Grammys, handfuls of CMA awards, and dozens of IBMA awards. Skaggs has received honorary doctorates from Berklee School of Music and Eastern Kentucky University. He’s the closing headliner at the Piedmont Stage at 4:15 on Sunday.

Nolan Taylor

Country singer and songwriter Nolan Taylor is from Blanchester, OH. His love for music started when he was just a kid, and only continued to grow from there. In high school, he had many hobbies. Such as wrestling, working out, football, and basketball, before he decided to pick up the left-handed guitar. After graduating, he spent a lot of time performing small gigs around Virginia and Kentucky, playing anywhere he could. Eventually, in 2023, he posted a video of himself performing “68”, which has 7.7 million views on Youtube- which was only the start of his  promising music career. His next show is at the Downtown Center in Bristol Tennessee on Saturday, September 20.

By sophomore Melissa Brown

Teskey Brothers

With a sound steeped in classic soul, blues, and southern rock, The Teskey Brothers channel a vintage spirit with a modern pulse. Formed in Melbourne, Australia, by brothers Josh and Sam Teskey, the band has earned global acclaim for their emotionally rich songwriting, raspy vocals, and warm analog tones. Their 2017 debut Half Mile Harvest introduced a fresh take on retro soul, but it was 2019’s Run Home Slow that truly cemented their status—earning them ARIA Awards and international tours.

Their latest album, The Winding Way (2023), continues that momentum, debuting at No. 1 on the Australian charts and earning accolades for its expanded sonic palette and mature songwriting. Live, the band has built a loyal following with electrifying performances that blend slow-burn ballads with foot-stomping grooves, all anchored by Josh Teskey’s gravelly, Otis Redding-esque vocals.

Over the past year, the band has toured extensively across Europe, North America, and Australia, including major festival appearances and a sold-out headline show at Denver’s Mission Ballroom. Their music speaks across generations, pulling from the past but delivering it with raw, immediate energy.

Don’t miss The Teskey Brothers as they bring their soulful sound to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2025, headlining the Piedmont Stage on Friday, September 19 at 8:30 PM. It’s sure to be one of the most moving sets of the weekend.

Dave Eggar (Artist-in-Residence)

Dave Eggar is a classically-trained cellist from New York who transplanted to Appalachia – at one point an early influence being studying under composer Aaron Copeland and falling in love with his piece “Appalachian Spring.” Eggar is considered a virtuoso of his instrument, having been Grammy-nominated for his solo albums as well as touring or recorded with acts as prominent and varied as Foreigner, Coldplay and Evanescence. In recent years, Eggar has mentored dozens of regional musicians, appearing live and on recordings with upcoming artists like Beth Snapp and Ashton Davison. Eggar has become a mainstay at the festival due to his exciting, improvisational sets and the variety of bands he sits in with. As this year’s Artist-in-Residence, he’s sure to stay busy on that front. Expect to see Eggar show up at multiple other sets throughout the weekend.

The Band Perry

Once country music’s golden trio, The Band Perry burst onto the scene in 2010 with their self-titled debut and the unforgettable If I Die Young—a track that made them both chart-toppers and crossover darlings. Over the next few years, they stacked up No. 1 singles (Better Dig Two, DONE.), earned a Grammy, and carved out a sound that balanced front-porch storytelling with arena-ready drama. After a few quieter years and lineup changes (brother Neil stepping away, Kimberly’s husband Johnny Costello stepping in), the newly reconfigured trio is back under Big Machine’s Nashville Harbor label. With a remastered version of their debut album just released and new material on the horizon, the band is stepping into a fresh chapter while tipping their hats to the songs that got them here. Their live show still packs a punch—Kimberly’s voice remains the centerpiece, cutting through country, rock, and pop textures with ease. Catch The Band Perry at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2025 on Sunday, September 21, at 3:00 PM on the State Street Stage.

Steep Canyon Rangers

On Friday, Sep 19 the award winning band Steep Canyon Rangers will be participating in the infamous Bristol Rhythm and Roots festival in Bristol TN. The Ranges are a well known band known for their Grammy winning bluegrass music, with their album Nobody Knows You winning best bluegrass album in 2013. The band has been guests at such venues as the Beacon Theatre in New York City as well as the Walker Theatre in Chattanooga, TN. On top of these venues, they have also performed at various music festivals, such as the Bourbon & Beyond festival in Louisville, KY, and previously at the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in Bristol TN. Their enthusiastic performances are sure to be warmly welcomed, offering a good selection of bluegrass of their own design. If you are wanting to catch their show, they will be playing at Piedmont Stage, Friday, Sep 19, from 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM.

By Senior Jack Reosti

Donnie and the Dry Heavers 

This four-piece Indie-Rock/Southern Jam band from Northeast TN brings driving rhythms, expressive solos, groovy riffs, and dynamic songwriting to the culmination of a rousing original sound. With tasteful jam breaks, witty transitions, and pocket-driven flow, this crew aims to provide you with a memorable musical journey. Chancellor Lawson is the lead singer and guitarist for Donnie and the Dry Heavers. Lawson, often known as Chance, is a TN Songwriter Contest winner, legacy artist with multiple relatives in the industry, native of Kingsport, TN, and is one of the band’s founders, along with Andrew Kramer (guitar/vocals, also a member of Florencia and the Feeling) and Cameron Hite (drums/vocals), and Magus Vaughn (bass/vocals). With 750 Followers and 167 Monthly Listeners, their biggest song is “Graveyards,” with 51,777 streams on Spotify. See Donnie and the Dry Heavers next at Piedmont stage on Friday September 19th from 7:30PM to 8:30PM.

By Sophomore Josiah Mowell

Adam Bolt

Festival fixture and regional hero Adam Bolt returns to Bristol Rhythm & Roots in 2025 hot off a recent victory in the 2024 installment of the Department of Tourism’s TN Songwriter’s Contest. He’ll host several other regional finalists in a Songwriters in the Round style show that’s sure to offer diverse styles and serve as a type of local folk sampler platter for festival attendees. Known for his poignant, no-holds-barred style, Bolt is a strong leader for an excellent group of songwriters to make the Mountain Empire proud. Bolt and the other finalists take the stage in Theatre Bristol on Saturday at 2:30 p.m..

Ashley Monroe

Ashley Monroe doesn’t chase trends—she builds her own quiet lane and lets the rest of the world catch up. Her voice, light as lace but edged with real ache, made waves with Like a Rose back in 2013 and hasn’t let up since. That album planted her on the map as a solo artist worth watching; The Blade cut even deeper, earning a Grammy nod and proving she could walk the line between classic country and something more hauntingly modern. She’s not just a singer—she’s a songwriter’s songwriter, penning No. 1 hits for Miranda Lambert and Jason Aldean while carving out her own sound. As one-third of Pistol Annies, Monroe helped turn sharp-tongued honesty into gold, but it’s her solo work that lingers—slow burners that hold their weight long after the final chorus fades. Expect clarity, heart, and maybe a little heartbreak. Catch Ashley Monroe on Saturday, September 20 at 7:15 PM, Piedmont Stage.

Futurebirds

Futurebirds have carved out a distinctive space in modern Americana, blending electrified folk, shimmering rock, and cosmic roots into a sound that’s both expansive and intimately human. Hailing from Athens, Georgia, the band’s latest album, Easy Company (2024), captures over a decade of growth and experimentation, produced by Brad Cook—whose credits include Bon Iver and Waxahatchee. Praised for their hypnotic grooves and soaring melodies, Futurebirds have earned critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase that follows them from iconic venues like the Ryman Auditorium to Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Their music invites listeners into a swirling, immersive experience that’s at once raw and refined. As one of the most captivating live acts on the scene today, they bring an energy and depth that elevates every show. Don’t miss Futurebirds at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2025, performing on the Piedmont Stage at 6:45 PM on Saturday, September 20.

Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley

Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley are a force in acoustic music, seamlessly blending bluegrass, blues, and rock with a fresh, soulful edge. Their 2023 album Living in a Song highlights their chemistry—Hensley’s fiery guitar work and Ickes’ masterful resonator guitar weaving together stories full of heart and grit. Individually, they bring serious pedigree: Ickes is a 15-time IBMA Resophonic Guitar Player of the Year, while Hensley took home the 2023 IBMA Guitar Player of the Year award. Together, they’ve shared stages with icons like Taj Mahal, Vince Gill, and Dolly Parton, and recently earned a Grammy as part of the Taj Mahal Sextet. Known for their electrifying live shows, they’ve been festival favorites at Wintergrass and Richmond Folk Festival, winning fans with their tight interplay and authentic sound. Don’t miss Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2025, playing the State Street Stage on Sunday, September 21 at 3:00 PM.

Chance Lawson

Chance Lawson is quickly making a name for himself in Americana with a sound that blends classic country storytelling and soulful grooves. Hailing from Kingsport, Tennessee, he carries on a rich musical legacy as the grandson of country pioneer Red Kirk, whose influence is woven through Lawson’s heartfelt songs. In 2022, Chance won the Tennessee Songwriters Week with “Happy Man,” a track that channels the spirit of Bill Withers and traditional country, earning him buzz as a songwriter to watch. He’s toured regionally, sharing stages with notable acts and collaborating with guitar ace Trey Hensley, adding depth to his evolving sound. Lawson’s music taps into bluegrass roots while pushing boundaries with his fresh take on classic themes. Known for intimate, engaging live shows, he’s also working to build community through projects like opening the Market Street Social Club in Kingsport. Catch Chance Lawson at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2025 on Saturday, September 20, at 4:30 PM on the Market Street Stage.

Beth Snapp

Beth Snapp is a singer-songwriter who defies easy categorization, blending elements of folk, bluegrass, pop, early R&B, and jazz to create a sound that is uniquely her own. Her music resonates with listeners through its emotional depth and storytelling, capturing the complexities of everyday moments. Snapp’s 2018 EP, Don’t Apologize, reached the Folk Alliance Top 10 chart, showcasing her growing influence in the Americana scene. She has graced stages at notable festivals such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and The Long Road, sharing the bill with artists like Blue Highway and Darrell Scott. In 2023, she released a new single, “Try Them On,” an empowering anthem about embracing personal identity. Snapp’s performances are known for their intimate connection with audiences, making each show a memorable experience. Catch Beth Snapp at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2025 on Saturday, September 20, at 5:00 PM on the Cumberland Square Park Stage.

Kris Truelsen and Country Casserole

Kris Truelsen is a true steward of Appalachian roots, blending history and modern energy through his music and radio work. As the voice behind Radio Bristol’s Farm and Fun Time, he revives the feel of classic mid-century variety shows, mixing live music, storytelling, and a celebration of regional culture. His band, Bill and the Belles, channels vintage country harmonies with original songs that honor tradition while feeling fresh and alive. Outside the studio, Kris leads Country Casserole, a lively group that bridges classic country, bluegrass, and Americana with tight musicianship and infectious enthusiasm. Known for their engaging live shows, they’ve built a reputation on festival stages and intimate venues alike, capturing the spirit of the South’s rich musical heritage while pushing it forward. Catch Kris Truelsen and Country Casserole at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2025 on Saturday, September 20, at 5:30 PM on the State Street Stage.

The Wilder Blue

The Wilder Blue is a band from Texas that started in 2019 and took off from the start due to one of their members Zane Williams who already had seven solo albums that were already gaining traction. They were influenced by bluegrass, folk, and country music. A quote that inspires them is, “The life I love is makin’ music with my friends”- Willie Nelson. They have 435.8K listeners on Spotify, and also hit 14 million listeners on their most popular song, “Palomino Gold”. They have also recently released an album called “Still In The Runnin’” with their most popular song on their newest album already having over one million listens. They are a 70s inspired rock band. Come see The Wilder Blue play at the Piedmont Stage on Friday, September 19th, from 7:30 PM-8:30 PM. 

By Junior Allison McCarthy

Emily Jamierson

Emily Jamierson is a singer and songwriter from a small town in Kentucky. Her music is a mix of gospel, folk songs, and the styles of famous singers like Loretta Lynn. When you listen to her songs, they feel very personal and honest. You can find her music on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. Her most popular song is “Dried Paint,” and it has been listened to almost 20,000 times! Emily is becoming a singer who lots of people are starting to notice. Come see Emily play at the Piedmont Stage on Friday, September 19, from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM. 

By Junior Josalyn Levachellier

Shadowgrass

The members of the band Shadow Grass who chose the name since they thought it sounded  “cool,” are rising stars who’ve been working together for as long as 10 years, beginning in 2014. Shadow Grass features Kyser George the guitarist, Clay Russell the banjoist, and Luke Morris was the mandolinist, at only 9, 13, and 13. Only later adding Madison Morris the fiddlist who works vocals, and finally Evan Campfield, the bassist.  They have a unique and strong bond as they state, “It sounds cliche but we definitely act more like siblings than bandmates.” The band mainly focuses on bluegrass music, some even say moving closer to a jamgrass style; they have two albums. All that will, with 9 songs  featuring talks about anxiety and uncertainty., and Shadowgrass, will have 8. Their most popular song is “Pleasantly Aimless.” Shadowgrass has been attracting many new listeners and supporters, with 54,880 monthly listeners on Spotify. and 11.2k YouTube followers. Adapting to the new ways of the internet, they’ve made a big hit with YouTube Shorts, having 1.4 million views on two shorts. But as any other expectations can be quite crushing as the band explains, “We felt a lot of pressure to make something uniquely us, because we had such a big following, and we felt that they deserved more than what we had given them as of yet.” Luckily when they released all that will, they found an answer as the band tells us, “It turned out that dropping those self-imposed expectations and just writing/making music for our own enjoyment was the key to finding our collective voice and making a record we are all proud of.”  Currently, they’ve been touring with Billy Strings, a prominent bluegrass artist and a major support in their lives. During 2024, one of their biggest breaks came in, being invited to perform for Healing Appalachia in Kentucky, to fundraise and stop drugs. Even more so, they plan to perform this September 20th, at Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, Assured  their amassing crowd will be screaming in excitementment. Be sure to clear the next Saturday, at Machiavelli’s outdoor stage starting at 4:30.

 by Freshman Elsie Cross

Oscar Harris

Oscar Harris was born in Kingsport, Tennessee, and lived in Hiltons, Virginia. Oscar began his music career with a 1965 Les Paul Junior, playing rock and roll. Oscar lived a very colorful life, with many different experiences in the entertainment industry, such as being a radio DJ, acting in concerts, and playing in many shows. Harris is currently playing a custom guitar and an autoharp in the music style of Americano. Harris enjoys spending his free time picking at his guitar and creating new songs, and performing them. Harris said, “A lot of determination and joy come from my music.”  One of the many autoharp players who’s still living to this day. You can see Oscar Harris at Rhythm and Roots Reunion in Theater Bristol at 6:30 pm on Saturday, September 20th. Harris will also be playing with Anne Buckle, Racheal Shock, and Tom Meade. 

by Senior Karly Faust

 

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