East Nash Grass , Andrew Hibbard

East Nash Grass embodies the finest in bluegrass, as evidenced by their 2024 IBMA New Artist of the Year honor. Their extraordinary vocal and instrumental abilities alongside songwriting prowess are only the start. While other groups chase nostalgia, East Nash Grass shines through an unflinching commitment to authenticity. It helps that they are a powerhouse collective of award-winning musicians with extensive experience spanning both new and established actsDan Tyminski, Tim OBrien, Sierra Hull, Rhonda Vincent, and others. The bluegrass tradition is core to their identity as performers. Yet it is their rebellious, adventurous spirit as forward-thinking artists that ignites audiences. Their capacity to sharpen this edge was honed during a seven-year weekly residency in a dive bar outside Nashville, Tennessee, which they largely created themselves. After hundreds of performances and countless late-night sessions, through lineup shifts, industry changes, and global upheavals, East Nash Grass has solidified into the formidable group featuring Harry Clark (mandolin), Cory Walker (banjo), James Kee (guitar), Maddie Denton (fiddle; 2025 IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year), and Jeff Partin (bass/dobro). Their passion for both bluegrass and the absurd surfaces in their live shows and on their latest album All Gods Children (Mountain Fever, 2025). Like watching a bowling ball and feather fall together, preconceived notions about what should or shouldn't work are tested as the paradox of authenticity emerges. Surprise gives way to exhilaration while risks keep listeners on edge, and undeniable skill confirms this is not just bluegrass imitationthis IS bluegrass.