This Mother’s Day, treat the special women in your life to something they’ll cherish for years to come: a trip to the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, running July 16–20, 2025, on the historic Walsh Farm in the heart of the Northern Catskills. Whether it’s your own mother, grandmother, the mother of your children, or a neighbor who’s always there with a listening ear, Grey Fox offers the perfect blend of music, community, and mountain magic that any mother will love.
The Mother of Bluegrass—and Her Daughters
While Bill Monroe is forever enshrined as the “Father of Bluegrass,” women have been shaping the sound since its earliest days. Mother Maybelle Carter’s pioneering guitar work and songwriting laid the groundwork, but it was Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard who crystallized a female perspective in bluegrass and old‑time music. Inspired by themes of social justice, family, and hard work, their ground‑breaking partnership in the late 1950s opened doors for generations of women artists.
On Thursday, July 17, Grey Fox presents “Hazel at 100”: a once‑in‑a‑lifetime tribute featuring Della Mae alongside Laurie Lewis and Alice Gerrard, honoring what would have been Hazel Dickens’ centennial. Catch their joyous celebration on the Main Stage, then experience Alice and Laurie as a duo at the intimate Creekside Stage. Later that evening, GRAMMY‑nominated Della Mae will heat up the Catskill Dance Stage with her signature drive and soul.
A Festival Full of Women Making Waves
Grey Fox 2025 shines a spotlight on the next generation of bluegrass and roots talent, from rising stars to established icons. Highlights include:
I’m With Her and Sierra Hull, showcasing virtuosic string work and songwriting
Kaia Kater, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, and Ashley Campbell, each blending bold new voices with deep tradition
Veteran performers Cindy Cashdollar, Molly Mason & Jay Ungar, and Ruthy Ungar, whose artistry spans decades
And ensembles like Tanasi, Cécilia, The Wilder Flower, Rakish, Mighty REA, Pythagoras, and Catfish in the Sky, all powered by talented women at the helm
Plus, congratulations to Lindsay Lou, who will be celebrating her very first summer festival as a new mom when she takes the stage on July 17 alongside Kyle Tuttle of Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway.
Inspiring the Next Generation: Bluegrass Academy for Kids
Grey Fox’s acclaimed Bluegrass Academy for Kids (BGA) returns July 17–19 with classes in fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, cello, and bass, led by Artistic Director Mark Panfil. Teens with advanced skills can join the Seniors Program, culminating in a Saturday night performance on the High Meadow Stage with Artist‑in‑Residence Woody Platt. Spaces are limited to ten students per instrument—register early at https://greyfoxbluegrass.com/programs-activities/bluegrass-academy-for-…. Admission for children 12 and under is free with a ticketed adult, and BGA is supported entirely by contributions to the Grey Fox Education Fund (501(c)3). Donate here: https://greyfoxbluegrass.com/donate/.
Tickets and Information
Day and weekend tickets are on sale now at https://greyfoxbluegrass.com/grey-fox-bluegrass-festival-tickets-and-lo…. Save off gate prices and enjoy six stages of top‑notch music, camping, dancing, workshops, jamming, kids activities, local food vendors, artisan merchants, and one‑of‑a‑kind festival events. Full‑festival ticket holders can start dancing Wednesday, July 16 at 6 pm on the Catskill Stage; Thursday through Saturday, music begins at 11 am; and Sunday’s Gospel Show and All‑Festival Band Finale (10 am–12:30 pm) are free with a donation to our annual food drive benefiting Greene County families.
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival
On the Walsh Farm · Oak Hill, NY
July 16–20, 2025
Unwind • Smile • Repeat
GreyFoxBluegrass.com
