Ricky Skaggs Returns to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Bristol, Virginia, September 25, 2025

News Summary

Ricky Skaggs captivated crowds with Kentucky Thunder at the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion’s final day, marking his first performance since 2010. The festival, held on Piedmont Avenue, celebrated the rich legacy of bluegrass music. Despite lower attendance, it was deemed successful, featuring standout performances and minimal incidents. Skaggs paid homage to bluegrass icons and engaged the audience with classic tunes. The festival’s 25th anniversary is set for September 2026, with advance tickets currently available.

Bristol, Virginia – Ricky Skaggs thrilled audiences on the final day of the 24th annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, performing with his band Kentucky Thunder. The festival took place on Piedmont Avenue, drawing a significant crowd to enjoy the performances. Skaggs, who had not taken the stage at the festival since 2010, expressed his gratitude for being back, highlighting the long hiatus since his previous appearance.

During the concert, Skaggs acknowledged the influential role of Bristol’s Farm & Fun Time in shaping bluegrass music. He recalled his early mentor, Ralph Stanley, and emphasized the festival’s importance in the bluegrass music scene. The set featured a blend of timeless bluegrass tunes from his extensive catalog, combined with popular country hits from the 1980s. Skaggs performed beloved tracks such as “Heartbroke,” “Honey (Open That Door),” and “Highway 40 Blues.” The audience was highly engaged, singing along enthusiastically, and even showcased their knowledge by correctly singing the lyrics to “Uncle Pen,” a traditional Bill Monroe song, prompting Skaggs to jokingly suggest they should join him on tour.

Before Skaggs’ performance, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley took the Piedmont stage, showcasing their remarkable instrumental skills through a mix of bluegrass standards and cover songs. The festival, while experiencing a lower turnout compared to the previous year’s estimated attendance of 40,000, still met multiple operational goals. Festival Director Richard Oakley noted that this year’s attendance was affected by economic factors but described the event’s overall success. Weather conditions were generally favorable, with only a brief two-hour lightning delay noted on Saturday.

Police reported minimal incidents during the festivities, citing only one DUI arrest and one arrest for public intoxication. Organizers have already begun planning for the festival’s upcoming 25th anniversary, scheduled for September 11-13, 2026. Advance tickets for this milestone celebration are currently on sale. Oakley expressed appreciation for the involvement of the community, mentioning that between 400 to 500 volunteers helped make the festival a success.

Summary of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

• Performer: Ricky Skaggs with Kentucky Thunder
• Date: Final day of the 24th annual festival
• Location: Piedmont Avenue, Bristol, Virginia
• Attendance: Lower than last year’s 40,000 due to economic factors
• Notable Performances: Skaggs, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
• Key Songs: Includes “Heartbroke”, “Honey (Open That Door)”, “Highway 40 Blues”, and “Uncle Pen”
• Weather: Brief two-hour delay due to lightning
• Safety: Minimal police incidents
• Volunteers: 400 to 500 participants
• Next Festival: September 11-13, 2026

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Additional Resources

• WCYB Bristol Rhythm & Roots
• Wikipedia: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
• Johnson City Press Photo Collection
• Google Search: Bristol Rhythm and Roots
• Johnson City Press Live Music and Festivities
• Google Scholar: Bristol Rhythm and Roots
• WCYB Newsletter Daily
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Rhythm and Roots
• WJHL Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
• Google News: Bristol Rhythm and Roots

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.