Ryman Bluegrass Nights

Bluegrass as we know it today began in 1945 when 21 year-old Earl Scruggs stepped up to the WSM radio microphone on the Ryman stage and played a five-string banjo with a three finger roll. Although it wasn't't't known as bluegrass then, Scruggs, Lester Flatt, Chubby Wise and Cedric Rainwater played at the Ryman Auditorium sending that special sound out on the airwaves through WSM-AM radio each week, laying the groundwork for all future bluegrass music. The Ryman Auditorium continues the tradition of this particular brand of music by showcasing current performers with Ryman Bluegrass Nights.

2010 Ryman Bluegrass Nights Performers:

Vince Gill - June 24

Popular country artist Vince Gill began his musical career in a bluegrass band, and though he's taken to a number of different genres over the years, he's still well adept at picking'. And while it may be his starpower that draws the crowd, it is sure to be his musical talents that keep the crowd entertained.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder - July 1

Just as with Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs has managed to find mainstream success while still clinging to the roots of bluegrass music. Accompanied by his band Kentucky Thunder, this is sure to be a well-rounded night of bluegrass entertainment.

The Grascals - July 8

The Grascals are one of the more successful recent bluegrass bands to emerge in recent years. In 2005, they won the International Blues Music Association (IBMA) Emerging Artist of the Year Award, and won the IBMA Entertainer of the Year award in both 2006 and 2007.

Dailey & Vincent - July 15

Featuring Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent joined forces in 2003, though they have over 20 years of experience in bluegrass between the two of them, and in 2009 amassed six IBMA awards, including Bluegrass Band of the Year and Song of the Year.

The Legendary Earl Scruggs - June 26

As the godfather of bluegrass music, Earl Scruggs is a perfect selection for this popular, annual series. Scruggs introduced his distinctive syncopated, three-finger picking to the world in 1945, and to this day continues to be one of the true showmen in bluegrass.

The Del McCoury Band - July 29

Active in the bluegrass scene since 1967, the Del McCoury Band and continue to impress audiences to this day, having their 2008 album Moneyland 2009 Family Circle reach number 1 and 4 on the US Bluegrass charts.