Nashville, TN

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.

New Orleans, LA

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.

Covington, LA

The Spring Chickens Band is 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.

Eastanolee, GA

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.

Tennessee | North Carolina

As a young musician just starting out on his musical journey, Wyatt has found that the bluegrass community is full of supporters, kind words, and encouragement. He has accrued more than 100,000 followers on combined social media before ever releasing a single. In 2024, Wyatt was named the International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year. Learn more about Wyatt Ellis here.

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Raised in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, the wisdom, creativity, and passion that surrounded me has been a gift that continues to enrich every aspect of my existence. Although I was born into Bluegreass music, my path has meandered through many trails including the exploration of the eclectic beats of hip hop and the thrashing of drums in a punk rock band. From playing for Bill Monroe backstage at the Grand Ole Opry to collaborating with Raekwon from the Wu-Tang Clan I am grateful to have learned from many diverse musical situations. Learn more about Christopher Henry here.

Alexandria, LA

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. The guys love meeting new people, as well as seeing old friends. That is reflected anytime they are approached off stage. They hope to continue to travel and entertain audiences for years to come.

The Band:

Tres Nugent - Bass/Vocals

Dennis Stewart- Mandolin/Vocals

Greg Stewart- Banjo/Vocals

Jamey Alwell- Guitar/Vocals