Bristol, Tenn.-Va. (June 26, 2025) – Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has released its full artist schedule, revealing a massive 111 sets of live music across 12 stages over three days. Presented by the nonprofit Birthplace of Country Music, the same organization that brings you the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and Radio Bristol, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is voted among USA Today’s top 10 music festivals three years running. Celebrating its 24th anniversary this year, the festival returns to State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol, Tenn.-Va. Sept. 19-21. Any Day Passes are also now on sale; each guaranteeing entry for any day of the festival that you wish to attend.
Friday night headliners include The Teskey Brothers, Joy Oladokun, Mountain Grass Unit, Ashley Monroe, Fruition, and Michael Cleveland. Saturday’s packed schedule features Shane Smith & The Saints, Lukas Nelson, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Kaitlin Butts, Futurebirds, and many, many more. Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, The Band Perry, Steep Canyon Rangers, Sister Sadie, and Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley are among the acts who will conclude the music-filled weekend on Sunday.
Any Day Passes to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion are on sale now for $99.99 (taxes/fees included). Weekend Passes offer the biggest bang for your buck at $169.99 (tax/fees included) if you purchase by July 20 when the price increases by $10. Payment plans are available. VIP passes offer an array of exclusive perks such as private performances, VIP lounge access, special seating and more. Purchase now at BristolRhythm.com. Artist schedule is subject to change without notice.
Bristol, Tenn.-Va. (April 15, 2025) – Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, presented by Ballad Health and produced by the nonprofit Birthplace of Country Music, returns to State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol, Tenn.-Va. Sept. 19-21, 2025 for its 24th annual event, boasting a colossal, genre-bending lineup that includes the soul-drenched blues-rock of Aussie exports The Teskey Brothers, the anthemic harmonies of Shane Smith & The Saints, and next-gen outlaw Lukas Nelson. 14-time GRAMMY winner Ricky Skaggs&Kentucky Thunder are also on the roster with platinum-selling chart-toppers The Band Perry, who hail from neighboring Greeneville, Tenn. Breakthrough singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun, known for her collaborations with Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile and Maren Morris, makes her debut in Bristol alongside festival veterans Steep Canyon Rangers, psychedelic jam band Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and buzzworthy, Birmingham, Ala. bluegrass ensemble Mountain Grass Unit, plus many, many more. The three-day celebration is an immersive tribute to the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings and the far-reaching influence of that pivotal moment in American music history.
Kaitlin Butts, Ashley Monroe, Fruition, Sister Sadie, Michael Cleveland, The Wilder Blue, Nolan Taylor,Shadowgrass, Ken Pomeroy, Theo Lawrence, The Wildmans, Jarekus Singleton, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Larry Keel’s Electric Larry Land, Denitia, Chicken Wire Empire also join the lineup of nearly 100 acts slated to appear on a dozen stages in the twin cities designated the “birthplace of country music” by the U.S. Congress.
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion amplifies the charm of its vibrant downtown location, steeped in the region’s authentic music, culture, and community. As Saving Country Music puts it, “Instead of traipsing back and forth through an open field like many festivals make you endure, you feel like you’re entering a musical village, and one that you never want to leave.”
New for 2025, Bristol Rhythm will add late night sets at Machiavelli’s outdoor tent, “barn” dances at the Country Music Mural Stage, and the festival’s first Artist in Residence, Dave Eggar. The dynamic cellist, pianist, and composer, who has worked with a host of artists including The Who, Coldplay, Tony Bennett, Patti Smith, Esperanza Spalding, and many, many more, will take his talents from stage to stage, collaborating with a number of festival artists throughout the weekend. Tennessee Songwriters Week Bristol qualifying round winners Austin Barrett, Camden Benoit, Claire Childress, and Erin Dalton will also perform in the round with Sarrenna, hosted by Adam Bolt.
WBCM Radio Bristol, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, will bring its popular Farm and Fun Time variety show back to the Paramount Bristol stage during the festival this year, with special guests to be announced. Hoot and Holler, Roanoke’s storytelling collective, will also return to delight audiences with more stories – “out loud!”
Weekend passes to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion are on sale now, with upgraded packages available. Visit BristolRhythm.com for tickets and information.
BRISTOL, Tenn.-Va. (Nov. 26, 2024) – The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) is encouraging everyone to cultivate community this holiday season by supporting locally-owned businesses, nonprofits and homegrown events that make Bristol and the surrounding region a truly special place. As an incentive, BCM is offering a special gift to the first 3,000 people who order discounted weekend passes to its 24th annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, slated for Sept. 19-21.
“There’s no better way to show your love for the community than by supporting small, locally-owned businesses and nonprofits,” said BCM Executive Director of Advancement Leah Ross. “It’s like planting seeds in your own back yard. It takes time and care to nurture. Then it grows and brings beauty to your life and to the lives of your neighbors.”
Black Friday Deal: “Homegrown in the Heart of Appalachia”
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, one of the most beloved music traditions in our region, is a gift that lasts far beyond the holiday season. On Black Friday, BCM will offer weekend passes to Bristol Rhythm 2025 for the discounted price of $125 (plus tax/fees). As a special touch, the first 3,000 wristbands sold for the event will include a packet of wildflower seeds–a lovely reminder to nurture your garden as you nurture our local economy and community. Keep an eye on the festival’s social media channels on Black Friday for a special artist announcement!
The Black Friday sale will continue through Cyber Monday, Dec. 2. Tickets will be sold exclusively at The Museum Store at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and online at BristolRhythm.com. The deadline for online orders to be delivered in time for Christmas delivery is Dec. 11. If choosing the print-at-home ticket option, you will save on shipping and exchange your tickets for wristbands at the festival. Payment plans are also available.
Small Business Saturday: Shop small and cultivate local connections.
Join the nationwide movement Nov. 30 to champion small. locally-owned businesses in your community and help nourish your local economy. Do you have family in town for the holidays? Plan your downtown Bristol itinerary to include shopping, a tour of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, and a great meal at one of Bristol’s amazing restaurants. Need a souvenir? The Museum Store has an array of Bristol-centric and music-related items you won’t find anywhere else.
Artists Sunday: Celebrate local artistry.
Join the largest movement in the country to support local artists, creators and performers in your community on Artists Sunday, Dec. 1. Take the time to explore the wealth of talent found here in the heart of Appalachia with a growing number of artisans who create one-of-a-kind, handmade works of art or support your local music scene by buying merchandise and CDs directly from performers at their shows or through their websites. The Museum Store is one-stop shopping for artwork, pottery, jewelry, and more.
Cyber Monday: Cultivate growth locally.
Many locally-owned businesses offer the same shop-at-home convenience as online retailers and big box stores. Keep your dollars in your community by supporting local businesses with online storefronts. Starting on Black Friday, BCM will offer an exclusive “Homegrown in Appalachia” line of festival merchandise at BristolRhythm.com while supplies last.
Giving Tuesday: Planting seeds to help your community grow.
On Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, take a moment to reflect on the importance of supporting local nonprofits that rely on donations to continue their vital work. From local food banks and charities to arts and culture organizations like BCM, it truly takes a village to make an impact. Just as you water and tend to a garden to see it grow, your support helps these organizations flourish and thrive, ensuring the future prosperity of our community. Consider a one-time or monthly donation to BCM at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org/donate-givingtuesday2024/ and help keep the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions alive for future generations.
For more information about the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, or WBCM Radio Bristol, visit BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.
Bristol, Tenn.-Va. (Sept. 18, 2024) – Sunny skies and warm smiles prevailed over an incredible lineup of artists at the 23rd annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion last weekend. The celebratory gathering, presented by Ballad Health and produced by Birthplace of Country Music, honored the far-reaching influence of the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings in grand style, with well-rounded offerings of rock, country, bluegrass, Americana, and more – genres with roots that trace all the way back to the “big bang.” Set along several blocks of State Street, where Tennessee meets Virginia in Bristol’s vibrant and welcoming city center, the festival entertained fans from 42 states and at least five foreign countries. With final attendance count still pending, the festival has announced dates of its return – Sept. 19-21, 2025.
The twin cities’ esteemed history wasn’t lost on its musical guests; they understood the assignment and passed the vibe test – with extra credit. Like many others throughout the weekend, GRAMMY Award-winning artist and festival headliner Ashley McBryde gave Bristol its just props, proclaiming from the State Street Stage on Friday night; “Whoever your favorite artist is, you can trace them back to here, this is the Mecca of country music.”
A couple of blocks up the road, fans of Alabama honky-tonk export The Red Clay Strays packed the Piedmont Stage for a white-hot set which included songs from their latest release “Made by These Moments.” Over on Cumberland Square Park’s permanent stage, Wilderado captivated fans with their brand of hypnotic, alt-rock grooves.
Dynamic cellist and composer Dave Eggar, known for assembling an eclectic group of collaborators at Bristol Rhythm, surprised us once again by hopping on the Country Music Mural Stage with Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley for a rousing rendition of the Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil.” In an exciting twist, the duo later joined Eggar’s Paramount set with rapper-songwriter-actress Le’Asha Julius and renowned Djembe percussionist Weedie Braimah.
Historically, Saturdays at Bristol Rhythm are a marathon of music; requiring intense tactical planning, sensible footwear, and mindful hydration in preparation for the cornucopia of experiences that await. Unplanned side missions are often rewarded by moments of discovery and magical memories to last a lifetime.
Speaking of moments, Jim Lauderdale‘s Jedi Master to young Wyatt Ellis‘ Padawan at the Country Music Mural Saturday afternoon gave us all the feels. The King of Americana joined Ellis on The Stanley Brothers tune “If I Lose.” Lauderdale is well-known for his generosity and support of other artists; seeing his encouragement for the next gen of bluegrass was truly special.
Other Saturday happenings included WBCM Radio Bristol’s Farm and Fun Time variety show at Paramount Bristol. Always a treat, this year special guests included Silverada and Logan Ledger. Soulful country music phenom and Bristol first-timer Brittney Spencer won the hearts of every single audience member at Cumberland Square Park. Festy veteran and honky-tonk hero Dale Watson & His Lone Stars performed his seventh Bristol Rhythm this year.
The undefinable country firecracker and TikTok sensation Hannah Dasher ate and left no crumbs in her custom red suit, cooking up hot guitar licks and Southern gal anthems to a packed 6th Street Stage. She and her band were later spotted cheering on 49 Winchester, who were presented with an official proclamation from the Commonwealth of Virginia just prior to their exuberant set.
To the delight of 90s kids, The Wallflowers played their hits and then some, driving home an encore of Tom Petty classics on Piedmont. The evening closed on Cumberland with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, who had earlier joined AJ Lee & Blue Summit‘s late afternoon set on the same stage. AJ returned the favor during Molly’s set. There were shenanigans as Joel Timmons (husband of Tuttle’s bassist Shelby Means) danced around the stage in a giant bunny costume head to “Alice in the Bluegrass.” Molly’s brother, Sullivan Tuttle, joined her for a haunting rendition of the Carter Family-Bristol Sessions classic “Bury Me Beneath the Willow,” a song she recorded for “The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” soundtrack.
Improvisational jazz outfit Post Bop Revival, a local favorite, set the pace for an easy Sunday with a classy, two-hour set under the tent at Machiavelli’s, complementary to the synthy and soulful sounds of Stephen Day midday on State Street.
Family, friends, and fans of the late Jamen Denton gathered in the park for a moving tribute to the beloved singer-songwriter, taken from us too soon. Jamen’s son, Noah Denton, an emerging talent in his own right, led us on an unforgettable journey through his father’s catalogue alongside his mother, Randi Denton, former Virginia Ground bandmates Jon McGlocklin and William Outlaw, and others. Mother and son’s stark rendition of Jamen’s “Impossible to Please” was perhaps the most poignant moment in the set, with not a dry eye in the house.
18-year-old guitar prodigy Grace Bowers and her band The Hodge Podge brought the funk and then some, mesmerizing fans with delicious jams that would make George Clinton himself land the Mothership.
Skilled musicianship with a unique sound is a theme at Bristol Rhythm; The SteelDrivers are an embodiment of it. Known for their live performances and signature blend of blues-bluegrass, the band is a true original that engages fans like no other. It was the perfect ending to a perfect festival, over way too soon.
Something fans missing the festival can look forward to from behind the scenes at Bristol Rhythm 2024, video sessions of selected artists were recorded at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum for Paste Magazine by the production company I Know We Should all weekend long. A total of nine videos will be released by Paste online and via the outlet’s YouTube channel. Several artists participated in the sessions including Brittney Spencer, Grace Bowers, Wilderado, Hannah Dasher, and more. Keep an eye on Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion’s social media channels for a release schedule, coming soon.
Tickets to Bristol Rhythm 2025 are on sale now for $135 (plus Bristol, Va. admission tax, ticketing agent fee). Visit BristolRhythm.com for more information.
A bird’s eye view at the Piedmont Stage for The Red Clay Strays set on Friday night. Photo courtesy Matthew Coleman/The Red Clay Strays
