History and heritage go hand in hand, and preserving one usually means preserving the other. Singer, songwriter and musician Marty Falle knows that all too well. His connection to traditional Appalachian music grew from spending much of his post-college years living in Kentucky, where bluegrass was born. Now living on a farm in Eastern Kentucky, he’s thoroughly absorbed the music, culture and influences of that storied region, and in the process, made them his own.
Falle’s producer, Grammy winner Jonathan Yudkin, sums it up succinctly. “Marty seeks stories, history, legends, and paths in creativity… His fresh sound comes from the fact that he is not trying to emulate bluegrass bands of the past or present. Instead, he is creating his songs out of his love of music, unfettered by the influence of other artists. That’s what I enjoy the most about working with him. His songs are always unpredictable and surprising…”
That, then, is the essence of an artist who’s not only impacted by history and heritage, but one who effectively moves those foundations forward as well. He’s an Appalachian original and a dedicated contributor to Americana music in general.

Shane Austin is a bluegrass guitar player from East Tennessee State University. He plays with Appalachian Trail and is a recipient of the Steve Gulley Scholarship.

9:20 PM

Multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Darrell Scott mines and cultivates the everyday moment, taking the rote, menial, mundane, and allowing it to be surreal, ever poignant, and candidly honest, lilting, blooming, and resonating. The words he fosters allow us to make sense of the world, what is at stake here, and our place in it. And ultimately, Darrell knows the sole truth of life is that love is all that matters, that we don’t always get it right, but that’s the instinctive and requisite circuitous allure of things, why we forever chase it, and why it is held sacred.

Darrell Scott comes from a musical family with a father who had him smitten with guitars by the age of 4, alongside a brother who played Jerry Reed style as well. From there, things only ramped up with literature and poetry endeavors while a student at Tufts University, along with playing his way through life. This would never change.

After recently touring with Robert Plant and the Zac Brown Band (2 years with each), and producing albums for Malcolm Holcombe and Guy Clark and being named “Songwriter of the Year” for both ASCAP and NSAI, these days find him roaming his Tennessee wilderness acreage, hiking along the small river, creating delicious meals with food raised on his property, and playing music. He often leads songwriting workshops to help people tell their own truths with their stories, and is as busy as always writing, producing, performing, and just plain fully immersing himself in life.

Blue Highway Fest 2026 is coming October 8th through the 11th to beautiful Big Stone Gap, Virginia!

And folks, this lineup is something special! You’ll hear Blue Highway, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Dailey & Vincent, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Seldom Scene, The Grascals, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, Balsam Range, Authentic Unlimited, NewFound Road, The Cleverlys, High Fidelity, Kenny & Amanda Smith, and many more!

Four days of incredible music, great people, and the beautiful Appalachian Mountains as your backdrop.

So grab your friends, pack your bags, and make plans now for Blue Highway Fest — October 8th through the 11th in Big Stone Gap, Virginia!

Get all the details and tickets at BlueHighwayFest.com.

Blue Highway Fest 2026 — where the mountains meet the music!

Jamie “Grascal” Johnson is a respected bluegrass singer, guitarist, and songwriter best known as a founding member of The Grascals. His long friendship and musical partnership with country legend Dolly Parton led The Grascals to open for and perform as part of Dolly’s touring band, including her celebrated 2004–05 tour. Together, they have shared the stage, recorded music, and co-written songs that reflect their love of bluegrass, country music, and inspiring others through song.

Jim Pankey is a veteran bluegrass banjo player and educator from Chatsworth, Georgia, with nearly 50 years behind the instrument. His driving, tasteful style is rooted in the tradition of Earl Scruggs while shaped by decades of performing, teaching, and studying American roots music.

Since 1977, Jim has been helping thousands of students worldwide master the 5-string banjo. Often called "The Bob Ross of the Banjo," he brings the same encouraging, approachable spirit to his lessons—celebrating "happy accidents" and making the instrument accessible to players at every level. His YouTube channel and online lessons have built an international following, and he's been a contributor to The Banjo Newsletter as well as faculty at respected camps including Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamp and the Maryland Banjo Academy.

As a performer, Jim is the banjo player for Barefoot Nellie & Company along with Bluetastic Fangrass, and he regularly performs in an old-time fiddle & banjo duo for contra-dances and other events. He's also shared the stage with many of today's finest acoustic musicians and earned numerous contest titles across the Southeast.

Whether leading a hard-driving breakdown, backing a heartfelt ballad, or guiding a beginner through their first roll, Jim brings experience, authenticity, and infectious enthusiasm to everything he does.

Summer Brook is a talented singer and entertainer best known as one half of Summer & Bray and as a member of the popular Mountain Faith Band. With her powerful vocals, genuine Appalachian roots, and engaging stage presence, Summer has become a recognizable name in the bluegrass, country, and Americana music communities.

Summer and her family’s musical journey gained national attention when Mountain Faith Band appeared on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, where they introduced their unique blend of bluegrass, country, and contemporary music to millions of viewers across the country.

As a member of Mountain Faith Band, Summer has performed on stages throughout the United States, sharing the traditions of Appalachian music while bringing a fresh, modern energy to the genre. Her voice and musicianship have helped make the band a favorite among bluegrass and roots-music audiences.

Summer is also featured in Summer & Bray, continuing her musical journey with a sound that combines Appalachian tradition, bluegrass, country, and contemporary influences. Whether performing with Mountain Faith, Summer & Bray, or appearing as a guest artist, Summer Brook brings authenticity, talent, and a passion for music to everything she does.

Summer Brook represents the next generation of Appalachian-rooted artists—honoring the music of the past while helping take it into the future.

Virginia-born country singer Spencer Hatcher is one of the emerging artists making his mark on today’s country music scene. With a deep appreciation for authentic country music and a growing presence on the national touring circuit, Hatcher is quickly becoming an artist to watch.

Hatcher is currently touring with country music sensation Zach Top as well as legendary country star Hank Williams Jr., performing for audiences across the country and sharing stages with some of the biggest names in the business.

Rooted in Virginia and influenced by the traditions that have shaped country music for generations, Hatcher brings a fresh perspective and youthful energy to the genre while staying connected to its authentic roots. His work on the road alongside established country artists is providing him with an opportunity to reach new audiences and continue developing his own career as a recording and performing artist.

Hatcher recently sat down with Rick Dollar for an interview on The Rick Dollar Show Podcast, where he discussed his music, life on the road, and his experiences working alongside some of country music's most respected performers.

As his touring schedule continues to expand and his name reaches more country music fans, Spencer Hatcher represents a new generation of Virginia country artists carrying the music forward—one stage at a time.