Article Contributed by Ariel Rosemberg
Published on January 13, 2026
The Travelin’ McCourys have announced The Young Guns Tour, a March/April run of shows dedicated to introducing the next wave of bluegrass musicians to audiences across the East Coast. Rooted in the spirit of bluegrass tradition and the McCoury family’s long-running festival, DelFest, the tour reflects the band’s ongoing commitment to mentorship, musicianship and passing the torch.
The concept is simple, and familiar to longtime McCoury fans: share the stage with exceptional young pickers discovered on the road, giving audiences a firsthand look at artists who represent where the music is headed next.
“My dad showed us what it really means to pass the torch, by trusting the next generation and giving them room on the bandstand. The Young Guns Tour comes straight out of that spirit, and out of DelFest, where the music goes beyond simply being shared. It’s well-respected and it’s handed down. It’s about making sure bluegrass keeps moving forward the right way.”
Spring 2026 Young Guns Tour Dates:
March 6 – Hinman Auditorium – Bonita Springs, FL
March 7 – Bier Hall at Intuition Ale Works – Jacksonville, FL
March 8 – The Radio Room – Greenville, SC
March 17 – Buffalo Iron Works – Buffalo, NY
March 18 – Iron Horse Music Hall – Northampton, MA
March 19 – Ardmore Music Hall – Ardmore, PA
March 20 – Center for the Arts – Homer, NY
March 21 – The Kate – Old Saybrook, CT
March 22 – Colony Woodstock – Woodstock, NY
March 24 – Thunderbird Cafe – Pittsburgh, PA
March 26 – The Tin Pan – Richmond, VA
March 27 – Back Seat Event Center – Winchester, VA
March 29 – The Caverns – Pelham, TN (with Sister Sadie)
April 9 – The Bijou Theater – Knoxville, TN
April 10 – Community Church Concerts – Chapel Hill, NC
April 11 – Carter Family Fold – Hiltons, VA
May 21-24 – DelFest – Cumberland, MD
Led by Ronnie McCoury (mandolin), Rob McCoury (banjo), Alan Bartram (bass), Cody Kilby (guitar) and newest addition Christian Ward (fiddle), the Travelin’ McCourys are widely regarded as one of bluegrass music’s premier instrumental groups. The band is reigning IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Instrumental Group of the Year, recognition that reflects both their individual virtuosity and their collective chemistry. Beyond accolades, the McCourys are known as trusted stewards of the music; deeply rooted in tradition while actively shaping its future.
One of the first confirmed “Young Guns” on the tour is Heaven McCoury, son of Ronnie McCoury. Heaven is already a frequent collaborator with national touring acts, including the Del McCoury Band and the Travelin’ McCourys, and has quickly established himself as a standout player in his own right. He will be joined throughout the tour by an ever-evolving lineup of young musicians, with guest appearances varying by market.
The McCourys’ track record for championing emerging talent is well established. For countless fans, their first exposure to artists like Billy Strings, Greensky Bluegrass, Sierra Hull and Daniel Donato came through McCoury-curated stages and collaborations. The Young Guns Tour continues that lineage-driven approach of creating moments of discovery while honoring the roots of the music.
In true McCoury fashion, the band is also opening the door to local and regional talent along the way. Promoters, venues and community members are encouraged to share recommendations for young, up-and-coming musicians who may be a fit for select dates on the tour.
Tickets and show details are available at thetravelinmccourys.com. Stay tuned for more, including releases from the McCoury family, coming soon.
