Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Lukas Nelson has officially withdrawn from the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, scheduled for September 19 to 21. His decision is due to a family commitment to attend the Farm Aid gathering requested by his father, Willie Nelson. The festival organizers have added Carly Pearce to the lineup in his place. The annual event will showcase a robust lineup and new features, paying homage to the historical Bristol Sessions recordings.
Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia – Lukas Nelson has officially withdrawn from performing at the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, scheduled for September 19 to 21, 2025. His decision comes as he has been asked by his father, the legendary Willie Nelson, to attend the annual Farm Aid gathering, which will take place on September 20, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The announcement follows Lukas Nelson’s earlier confirmation of his appearance at the Bristol festival prior to knowing Farm Aid’s date. Recognizing the significance of family, Nelson shared that his family holds the highest priority in his life.
Festival organizers expressed understanding of Nelson’s circumstances and are hopeful about his return in future events. In light of this change, country music star Carly Pearce has been added to the Bristol Rhythm & Roots lineup. She is set to perform on the State Street Stage at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, September 20.
The lineup for the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is robust, featuring artists such as The Teskey Brothers, Michael Cleveland, and Hippies and Cowboys on Friday, September 19. Saturday will include performances by Shane Smith & The Saints, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and Kaitlin Butts, rounding out a strong Saturday night of music. The festival will conclude on Sunday, September 21, with acts like Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder and The Band Perry.
Weekend passes for the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion are currently on sale and can be purchased at BristolRhythm.com. This annual celebration pays homage to the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings that are significant in the history of American music.
In 2025, festival organizers plan to introduce new features including late-night sets at Machiavelli’s outdoor tent and dances at the Country Music Mural Stage. Additionally, the festival will showcase its first Artist in Residence, Dave Eggar.
Farm Aid, co-founded by Willie Nelson in 1985 alongside Neil Young and John Mellencamp, aims to raise awareness about the challenges that family farms face in America, supporting the mission through annual gatherings like the one scheduled this September.
FAQ
Why is Lukas Nelson withdrawing from the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion?
Lukas Nelson is unable to perform at the event due to a family commitment to attend the Farm Aid gathering, where he has been requested by his father, Willie Nelson.
Who is replacing Lukas Nelson in the festival lineup?
Carly Pearce has been added to the festival lineup and is scheduled to perform on Saturday, September 20 at 9:15 p.m. on the State Street Stage.
What are some highlights of the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in 2025?
The festival will feature a diverse lineup of artists, including The Teskey Brothers, Shane Smith & The Saints, and Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, along with new activities like late-night sets and the first Artist in Residence, Dave Eggar.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Lukas Nelson’s Participation | Withdrawn due to family commitment |
| Replacement Artist | Carly Pearce performing Sept 20 |
| Festival Dates | September 19-21, 2025 |
| Notable Performers | The Teskey Brothers, Ricky Skaggs, The Band Perry, Shane Smith & The Saints |
| New Features | Late-night sets, first Artist in Residence |
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Additional Resources
- Jambands
- Wikipedia: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
- Music Row
- Google Search: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
- Watauga Democrat
- Google Scholar: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
- JamBase
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
- WCYB
- Google News: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
