Blue Highway Fest, days one and two, kicked off in downtown Big Stone Gap, VA, better known as the Gem of Virginia. Days three and four were held at Bullitt Park, a much larger location and stage. This was the third consecutive year, and what a year! It was also the largest crowd size of the three years; they had to move the barricades twice to make room for more people. The Rising Stars Challenge, a popular bluegrass talent show, kicked off the first day of Blue Highway Fest. You can check out our article here if you have not seen it.
Following the Rising Stars Challenge was the ETSU Bluegrass band, Thomas Cassell Band, Green River Revue, Dave Eggar & The Bristol Lightning with special guest Max ZT, Flatt Out Blue, and Balsam Range. Though all of the acts were great, Dave Eggar & The Bristol Lightning with special guest Max ZT and Balsam Range stood out as bands for us. Dave is a world-class cellist, and when you take that and mix it with Bristol Lightening, it's a pretty awesome show. The tap dancing, you heard that right, the tap dancing was a nice touch. Balsam Range, a 2018 International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) Entertainer of the Year, ended the night with a wonderful show that captivated the audience and set the tone for this year's festival.
One portion of the day stands out, though: the Writer's Round. They bring a dozen or so writers/musicians, such as Ed Snodderly, Tim Stafford of Blue Highway, Darrell Scott, and Beth Snapp. Each artist plays two songs they wrote and talks about their process. The Writer's Round is a must-see and one of the best features of what makes this festival so unique.
Day two continued the Rising Stars Challenge, where Backline won. The lineup for day two was stacked, which is why they had to move the fencing. In the bluegrass world, this was a hefty lineup. The Grascals, Seldom Scene, Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Joe Craven, Carson Peters, and Iron Mountain, Legendary Bluegrass, Larry Sparks, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, and The Darell Scott String Band packed the Thursday setlist. Authentic Unlimited was scheduled to perform. However, they had to cancel due to sickness. The runner-up of the Rising Stars Challenge, Carolina Detour, played their set.
This was probably our favorite day of the entire four-night festival. Everyone packed in as tight as they could to grab a spot and listen to some of the best bluegrass music today. You could not find a place by the time Rhonda Vincent came on. Joe Craven performed with many of the artists throughout their sets. The night ended with the Darell Scott String Band, one of our personal favorites.
The first two days were spent nestled in one of Virginia's most remarkable towns—not just in Southwest Virginia but across the entire state and the Appalachian region. This hidden gem, rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. From the moment you arrive, you're welcomed by the warmth of the community and the town's deep connection to its Appalachian roots. It's a place where tradition meets progress, perfectly reflecting the region's evolving identity.
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