At the Delta Hayride Association, we are a community of bluegrass music lovers bound by a passion for the traditional and authentic sounds that capture our American heritage and connect to us all. Our mission goes beyond just promoting bluegrass music; we aim to harness its unifying power to uplift and support those in need.

We are committed to promoting and preserving the bluegrass culture, while also making a tangible impact in the lives of others. Through concerts, festivals, and events, we bring people together to celebrate music and raise funds for causes that matter deeply to us and our communities.  Every note played and every song sung helps us support essential causes like child literacy, empowerment for people with intellectual disabilities, local food pantries, and hurricane relief efforts during times of crisis.

Our vision is a world where music builds bridges and opens hearts, where the joy of bluegrass becomes a beacon of hope for those in need. We invite everyone, from lifelong bluegrass fans to new listeners, to join us. Together, we can celebrate the music we love while lifting up those who need it most.

The New Orleans Bayou Bluegrass Festival

Meet the Artists

Nashville, TN

East Nash Grass

East Nash Grass is one of the hottest young bands in Bluegrass, picking up this year’s International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award for Best New Artist and stacked with IBMA Best Instrumentalist winners: Grand Master Fiddle champion and AMA Instrumentalist of the year nominee Maddie Denton, Cory Walker (banjo), and Harry Clark (mandolin). Put them alongside charismatic frontman James Kee and bassist Jeff Partin (Rhonda Vincent, etc.) and you’ve got a powerhouse leader of the next generation in bluegrass excellence.

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Eastanolee, GA

Edgar Loudermilk Band

Edgar Loudermilk is a two-time, back to back winner of SPBGMA's “Bass Fiddle Performer of the Year." He is also the winner of the 2024 Josie Music Awards “Bass Player of the Year.” Edgar Loudermilk’s signature voice, award-winning bass skills, and songwriting have become his trademark, garnering over 40 industry awards and nominations. Edgar Loudermilk’s distinctive and powerful vocals cut to the heart of a song, while the band’s stellar musicianship provides a firm musical foundation.

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New Orleans, LA

The Tanglers

Hailing from the vibrant musical melting pot of New Orleans, the Tanglers Bluegrass Band is a spirited ensemble that weaves a tapestry of bluegrass, folk, funk, and Americana sounds. With their distinctive blend of traditional roots music and the infectious energy of the Big Easy, the Tanglers have earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the city's top bluegrass bands.

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Covington, LA

Spring Chickens

The Spring Chickens are a traditional Bluegrass band from Covington, Louisiana. Formed in January of 2023, the band has played many shows, including the Tunica Hills Music Festival and the 2024 Riverbend Summer Bluegrass Festival. They are also the newest Abita Opry house band.

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Tennessee | North Carolina

Wyatt Ellis and Christopher Henry

Learn more about Wyatt Ellis and Christopher Henry

Alexandria, LA

Catahoula Drive

Catahoula Drive began on a whim when four friends got together for an impromptu jam session. A few hours into the session, the guys decided to enter a band contest at the SPBGMA Awards show,  in Nashville, TN. After placing 5th out of 25 bands, the band picked up several bookings before leaving the convention. With that, the guys decided to formally become a touring band and have been entertaining audiences ever since. . In 2017 they were invited back to SPBGMA to perform on the mainstage, this time as artist rather than contest participants. Touring mostly in La., MS., TX. and Ark. the band has built up quite a fan base. They are very passionate about their music but also provide a laid back, often humorous show that ensures the audience that the band is having a good time.

We are proud to support Special Olympics Louisiana

On behalf of the Delta Hayride Association, proceeds from the New Orleans Bayou Bluegrass Festival benefit Special Olympics Louisiana, empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities.

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