The Isaacs at the 2026 Jekyll Island Bluegrass Festival – photo © Bill Warren
The first bluegrass festival of the year has ended. The Jekyll Island Bluegrass Festival was a tribute to the Stanley Brothers -and it was a good one. Ernie and Debi Evans had the task of coordinating acts for the tribute.
Friday was kicked off by the Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters. They are four young sisters – from Alaska. Akulina, the oldest, is 14. 2025 was their breakout year. They did 80+ shows, including an appearance on the Grand Ol Opry.
Kenny Stinson and Perfect Tymin’ hit the stage with their high energy show. Lenny Centers is the guitar player. He is the son of former Clinch Mountain Boy lead singer Roy Lee Centers.
Remedy Tree is a Florida-based band that went from a regional band to a national touring act in the past year since signed with Mountain Fever Records in 2024. Their year included a tour in Ireland.
Ralph Stanley II then hosted the Stanley Brothers celebration. He gave a bit of the history of his dad and uncle and was joined by Jim Lauderdale, Lenny Centers, and Don Rigsby. They sang the songs of the Stanley Brothers. Jim Lauderdale, Ernie Evans, and Sherry Boyd presented the “Norman Adams League of Innovators” award in honor of the Stanley Brothers, and it was accepted by Ralph II.
Ralph carries on certain traditions from his father. Curly Ray Cline was the band fiddler for many years. Dr. Ralph always introduced him this way: “He’s only missed three shows, been late on six, and drunk on seventeen.” Ralph II introduces his fiddle player, Stanley Efaw, the same way. Ralph II also honored Curly Ray in a very quiet way this weekend. Curly always wore a clip-on tie. Ralph got a clip-on tie for this show. He didn’t make a show of it, but it acknowledged his deep respect for the past.
Ernie also brought a special guest to the stage. Judy Adams, who promoted this festival for years with her husband, Norman, was on hand for the festival. Ernie and Debi presented her with a bouquet of roses. She is the “first lady” of bluegrass promoters!
Nothin’ Fancy played a set for the second day. They are about to enter their 32nd year. Band leader, Mike Andes, holds what may be a record. He has never missed a show in the band’s history!
Southern Legacy closed out Friday. This is a band of power hitters from the bluegrass world. Each member can stand on his own, but meld into a great collaboration.
Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys opened the Saturday show. They presented current band music along with the music of the past.
Lorraine Jordan brought her Country Grass show to Jekyll, a set of “grassed up country music.” The legendary Larry Cordle joined the band on both sets. It’s always fun to hear him tell the stories of his songs.
The Isaacs were a big festival hit. Their energy had the crowd on its feet more than a few times. They saluted the Stanley Brothers with a couple Stanley gospel numbers. Larry Cordle joined them for a song. The Malpass Brothers joined them to do a Louvin Brothers gospel tune. There are three generations of the family in the band. Becky’s son Levi plays with them now.
The Malpass Brothers closed out the festival as only they can. Traditional country music at its finest, and sibling humor that is unequalled today.
Remember next year’s show is January 7, 8, and 9, 2027.
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