In the bluegrass and Americana music world, certain names are quickly rising to the top, and Wyatt Ellis is undeniably one of them. Two years ago, there were hushed whispers of awe of this ‘new kid’  when he attended the DelFest Academy. Last year, in 2023, Ellis joined Billy Strings onstage as part of Doc Watson's 100th Birthday Tribute and then followed it up with appearances at MerleFest, joining Peter Rowan on stage and mixing it along with some of the legends of the mandolin at Mando Mania.  

This year, after the release of his debut album,  Happy Valley, Ellis continues to grow and emerge as a fan favorite on the summer music festival circuit. His performances at the genre's most prestigious festivals, MerleFest and Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival cement his status as a standout talent.

In April, at MerleFest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, Ellis continued to impress with a performance that was both high-energy and deeply heartfelt. Known for its commitment to preserving and celebrating the legacy of Doc and Merle Watson, MerleFest is a festival where every note counts. Wyatt Ellis rose to the occasion with a set that honored the festival's roots while pushing the boundaries of the genre. His ability to connect with the audience was evident as he effortlessly navigated between fast-paced tunes and soulful ballads.

In June 2024, Ellis, along with his touring band, performed for the first time at Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.

Earlier this month, Ellis continued to captivate the audiences in upstate New York at the Grey Fox Bluegrass Music Festival with his impeccable musicianship and stage presence. The festival, renowned for its eclectic lineup and vibrant atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for Ellis to showcase his unique blend of traditional bluegrass and modern influences. His set was a masterclass in both technical skill and emotional depth, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move.

Ellis has garnered the attention of his musical peers. It was only a few years ago that Sierra Hull began to mentor a young Wyatt Ellis, and he was embraced by the legends and more established artists and joined them on stage. This year, it seems like moths to a flame; other artists in the bluegrass community are drawn to Ellis and eagerly joining him on stage. This year, we have witnessed the mesmerizing and sizzling sit-ins he's brought to the stage throughout these two festivals. The list of those who have joined Ellis on stage at times seems too numerous to mention, as we have witnessed him perform both onstage and backstage with countless musicians. Just off the top of our heads, we recall memorable sit-ins by mighty musicians, including Peter Rowan, The Kruger Brothers, and Jim Lauderdale. 

What set Ellis apart at both festivals was not just his technical prowess but his ability to infuse every performance with genuine passion and creativity.  Whether through a virtuosic solo or a poignant lyric, Ellis demonstrated why he's quickly becoming a name to watch in the bluegrass community.

As the festival season continues, one thing is clear: Wyatt Ellis is not just participating in the bluegrass scene — he's shaping its future. Just a few weeks ago, the International Bluegrass Music Association (IMBA)  nominated Ellis for two awards, "Momentum Instrumentalist Artist" and "Best New Artist" - and we are sure this isn't the last time we'll see his name on one of those ballots.  

Wyatt Ellis will perform today, July 26th, at FloydFest 24 ~ Horizon.

• 3:00 pm -3:45 pm at the Oasis Stage
• 5:00 pm  - 6:00 pm Recording a session at the FloydFest Bus Stop 

If you are unable to attend his FloydFest performance, please check Wyatt Ellis's upcoming tour schedule.  As Ellis's musical prowess and popularity grows, so does his tour radius!  Take notice of Wyatt Ellis as he performs at just a few more festivals this summer, including The Newport Folk Festival, Bristol Rhythm & Roots, AMERICANAFEST, the International Bluegrass Music Festival, and Watermelon Pickers Fest just a little over 60 miles from Washington, DC, in Berryville, Virginia.

The 30th Hot August Music Festival, held on August 19, 2023, at the picturesque Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, Maryland, was an exceptional day of music, sunshine, and camaraderie. Against the stunning backdrop of the park's rolling hills, attendees enjoyed performances that catered to different musical tastes and moods. With the temperature in the mid-80s, not a cloud in the sky, and a constant cooling breeze, Mother Nature must have conspired with the festival’s organizers to craft an impeccable setting for the occasion. 

One of the standout features of the festival was the family-friendly atmosphere. Attendees of all ages reveled in the enchanting melodies and captivating rhythms while relishing the delicious offerings from the food vendors scattered throughout the grounds. The aroma of various cuisines wafted through the air, offering a wide selection of food vendors. Union Craft Brewing's ice-cold craft beer provided a perfect respite from the summer heat, adding to the vibrant festival ambiance for those seeking refreshments.

The musical lineup was a tapestry of talent that catered to an eclectic audience at the main Hillside Stage and the smaller Meadow Stage. Natalie Brooke & The Infinity Tribe opened the day at the Hillside Stage with a blend of progressive funk rock and Natalie's signature keytar skills taking the performance to new heights, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong's drummer Alex "Gator" Petropulos holding down the rhythm section. During the second set of the day and the Meadow Stage's opening set, the Jonathan Sloane Trio's mighty blues rock set continued the high energy while paying tribute to Hot August's origins as a blues festival.

Later in the day, local Baltimore legend Cris Jacobs set the Hillside Stage ablaze with his roots-infused performance. Those who enjoyed Cris' set should keep an eye out for his upcoming record—featuring contributions from Jerry Douglas, the Infamous Stringdusters, Sam Bush, Ashby Frank, Lee Ann Womack, Lindsey Lou, and Billy Strings. 

The day took a mellow and relaxing turn with Sunny War's intimate Meadow Stage set that tugged at heartstrings with her raw and emotional lyrics. Ripe then reignited the funk with their upbeat dance music at the Hillside Stage, igniting infectious energy with attendees dancing to the fiery horn section. 

Karina Rykman kept the funky dance jams going at the Meadow Stage by playing several songs off her newly released album Joyride—which Phish's Trey Anastasio produced. Karina's signature smile and dance moves were on display as she played thundering bass lines and her guitarist's—Adam November—distinctive synth looping style. Karina's danceable tunes and her ability to get a crowd grooving show why she was a crowd favorite and why she will be a staple of summer festivals for years.

Another crowd favorite of the day, Oteil & Friends, transformed the Hillside Stage with psychedelic energy, blending original compositions, Grateful Dead classics, and Allman Brothers Band hits. Oteil Burbridge, Steve Kimock, and Duane Betts traded melodic guitar and bass licks throughout the set, which included songs like "Every Hungry Woman," "Dreams," "Cats Down Under The Stars," "Dark Star," and "Mountain Jam." 

Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country was another crowd favorite of the day. Donato showcased his unique psychedelic chicken pickin' style and his band's improvisational prowess across a range of original tunes in a series of long exploratory jams. It was easy to see why this young Nashville-based musician is quickly rising through the ranks of the jam scene. 

Little Feat closed the 2023 Hot August Music Festival with their distinctive southern jam echoed through the hills. Keyboardist Bill Payne led the band in several of the band's classic hits, including "Fat Man in the Bathtub," "Dixie Chicken," and "Spanish Moon." As the final notes of Little Feat's set rang across Oregon Ridge Park, it was clear that the 30th edition of the festival will be remembered as a remarkable chapter in its storied history with jam legends, local favorites, and future stars of the jam scene providing a perfect sonic landscape to celebrate the day.

Every festival you go to is going to have great music, but it's the sights and sounds that happen off the stage that gives a festival its unique character and culture. The Festy Experience - "The Telluride of the East" - has a very distinct personality: family friendly, world-class bluegrass music, and the space to roam and enjoy all aspects of the festival grounds.

Telling people that you're a family-friendly festival is a selling point that many an event has claimed to seem appealing to certain demographics.   Until you get to experience something that takes into account all aspects of what parents of little ones and little ones themselves need, you might not even realize what is missing from most.  Festy Experience has formulated the recipe for perfection when it comes to a truly, family-friendly festival.  

​A great lineup is not a bad place to start by any means.  If you've never gotten to see one of the amazing bands that was on the lineup this year in a location where you aren't smushed up against​ a few thousand other people, let me tell you, it's the way to go.  With little ones in tow, you might think that sacrifices will have to be made in order to keep them ​busy and to allow you to also see the music, however have no fear, because you are wrong.  Organizers of the three day event put together a layout that places the fun-filled kids zone, sponsored by Heart Song, right next to the main stage, keeping everyone entertained within a few feet of each other.  Bonus that the kids zone had something for little ones planned from noon to 8, occupying their time with things like a folk music workshop or nature crafts to keep creative little hands and minds busy.  

Another huge bonus to not being packed like sardines because they want to boast a 'sell out' crowd, is that there was always grass to lay out a blanket on, space to spread out and enough room to let kids and adults alike run around and dance their way through the farm without the risk of never being able to find home base again.  Great acts that start on the earlier side also means that you get to enjoy the music and still get tiny ones to sleep at a pretty decent hour, as not to throw off their whole schedule.  

Set up your blanket and chairs on the Blue Ridge Bowl's gentle hill and watch the main stage, walk to eTown stage to hear an interview and small acoustic set with your favorite artist or head to the Kid's Zone where there is something to do every day from noon until 8 pm. Each day The Festy Experience made sure to have something special planned, a late night bonfire performance on a hill, a late night performance in The Blue Ridge Bowl.

Rest assured, The Festy Experience is worth attending either for a single day or the entire weekend. There will be world-class bluegrass music, and there is something to enjoy for everyone. Please enjoy the sights of this festival brought to you by our roaming photographers who captured the "Experience" of The Festy Experience.

That anecdote alone set the tone for the festival — the band loves their dedicated fanbase and they wanted to roll up their sleeves and work their own festival. In fact, for the next three days, fans shared stories of casual run-ins with all members of the band as they freely walked, wandered, and golf-carted around the festival grounds.

After passing through the entrance of the farm, "Domers" were instructed to drive up a small unpaved road to forest camping. The drive up the hill was a bonding experience for all festival-goers. As the road accumulated loose mud, tires began to helplessly spin and cars got stuck in the mud.  A small crowd would run to the car declaring "We got you! We are going to get you up this hill! Now straighten out your wheel." The connection between driver and pusher quickly bonded all "Domers" and made for lasting friendships at campsites. Sometimes cars were held until enough room for a desperate acceleration up the hill could be made. Eventually, everyone made it to a campsite next to the road.