Ryman Bluegrass Nights

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Bluegrass as we know it today began in 1945 when a 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 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.

Join the biggest names in modern bluegrass for plenty of pickin' and grinnin' during the six-concert Ryman Bluegrass Nights series at the historic Ryman Auditorium during this summer! 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 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.

2008 Ryman Bluegrass Nights Performers:

The Legendary Earl Scruggs with Family & Friends - June 26

As the godfather of bluegrass music, Earl Scruggs is the perfect selection to kick-off 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.

Vince Gill - July 3

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 pickin'. And while it may be his starpower that draws the crowd, it is sure to be his musical talents that keep the crowd entertained.

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage with IIIrd Tyme Out and Dailey & Vincent - July 10

Rhonda Vincent has strived to be an ambassador of sorts for bluegrass throughout her career, and through both her passion and talents she's been able to reach an entirely new generation with the down home sounds of bluegrass.

Cherryholmes and The Grascals - July 17

Cherryholmes is a family bluegrass band offering traditional sounds through two generations of family. They will be accompanied by the emerging group The Grascals for a look at both traditional and neo-traditional bluegrass.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder with Special Guest The Whites - July 24

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

Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys with Steep Canyon Rangers - July 31

Renowned bluegrass instrumentalist Ralph Stanley will take to the stage alongside his band, The Clinch Mountain Boys, and emerging new artists Steep Canyon Rangers for a perfect finale to Ryman Bluegrass Nights.

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