MerleFest, presented by Window World, wrapped up its 37th annual celebration with a romp-roaring tribute to the music and community that folk icon Doc Watson championed throughout his life. Over the course of four vibrant days, nearly one hundred acts ranging from rising stars to seasoned legends graced a dozen stages across the campus of Wilkes Community College, drawing thousands to the rolling hills that canvas the region.

Banjoists Alison Brown and Steve Martin team up with bluegrass icon, vocalist/mandolinist Tim O’Brien, on their new single "5 Days Out, 2 Days Back," their latest collaboration which will be included as part of a collection of songs by Brown and Martin to be released this year via Compass Records.

Music lovers from around the country are invited to gather in the scenic Colorado Rockies for the Springfree Bluegrass Festival, taking place May 23–25, 2025 in the heart of Vail. Boasting a lineup that celebrates both rising stars and established favorites, Springfree Bluegrass Festival promises to deliver three days of foot-stomping tunes, family-friendly fun, and the breathtaking mountain views that make Vail a world-class destination.

Festival Highlights

Three of the 5-string banjo’s leading ladies: Kristin Scott Benson, Gena Britt, and Alison Brown, team up for a jaw-dropping version of the classic Ralph Stanley instrumental “Ralph’s Banjo Special.” The track is a tantalizing teaser for the upcoming star-studded 80th Anniversary Stanley Brothers Tribute album to be released on Compass Records later this year.

Today, the Momentary adds rising star Jaime Wyatt, breakout country music star Waylon Wyatt, 2X GRAMMY nominee Cha Wa, and critically acclaimed crossover band Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices, to the lineup for FreshGrass | Bentonville 2025, a two-day, all-ages festival with the best in American and global roots music and folk traditions taking place on Friday, May 16th, and Saturday, May 17th.

Celebrated fiddler, vocalist, and songwriter Becky Buller kicks off 2025 with the release of her empowering new single, “Reach.” Featuring a powerhouse lineup of Alison Brown (banjo), Sierra Hull (mandolin, harmony vocals), Missy Raines (bass), and Molly Tuttle (guitar, harmony vocals), this vibrant track is a testament to collaboration and musical excellence.

On August 9th, Compass Records Group will reissue trailblazing banjo player Alison Brown’s GRAMMY-nominated debut album SIMPLE PLEASURES.

Compass Records artists received a collective 11 nominations this morning for the 2024 International Bluegrass Music Association Awards.

This summer, the Momentary will play host to a remarkable gathering of musical talent as FreshGrass | Bentonville returns to Arkansas on May 17th and 18th. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Ozarks, the festival is now in its fourth year and has rapidly become a beacon for both traditional and innovative roots music.

The California Bluegrass Association’s 49th annual Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival is adding a pair of special shows to keep the music going after Friday and Saturday Main Stage performances, and has selected the Vern’s Stage lineup of afternoon performers. The festival also has slated a new youth activity: pre-school family jams.