Article Contributed by Birthplace of Country Music
Published on 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.