There are lots of ways to celebrate the coming of a new year. Some choose to watch the big ball drop in New York City, while others sing Auld Lang Syne. Still others attend a Possum Drop. (Yes, that’s really a thing!)
No matter how you choose to celebrate, it’s safe to say that we all have a lot to be thankful for. I was recently able to catch up with a few of bluegrass music’s biggest names and ask about their New Year’s goals and resolutions.
Joe Mullins says he’s very thankful for a wonderful 2025, and that he looks forward to spending more time with his granddaughter Daisy in 2026. He also has plans to make the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festivals bigger and better! Joe says that if you don’t have your own New Year’s resolution figured out just yet, download the Real Roots Radio app.
It’s no secret that David Parmley had a great year in 2025, as he and his late father, Don Parmley, were inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame for their work with the Bluegrass Cardinals. “It was the highlight of my life,” says David. He has a brand new tribute record coming out this spring and a new single, Turning Acres Into Rows, debuting soon. David says a great New Year’s resolution idea is to come see the David Parmley Band at a show near you.
Tim Stafford of Blue Highway says he’s thankful for all of his bandmates, and for all of his co-writers. He also shared that the Blue Highway 30th anniversary record is set for release this March. This year he is looking forward to another great Blue Highway Fest in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and seeing everybody out on the road.
Aaron McDaris, banjo player for Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, and promoter of the Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival in Conway, Missouri, shared that the band had just finished up a long run of shows at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. He shared that they loved and appreciated all who supported them, and wanted to wish “many blessings” to everyone this year!
Several of the Grascals chimed in, too!
Kyle Perkins says God has blessed him and his family greatly in 2025. His New Year’s resolution is reading his Bible more, trying to walk closer to God, and to play some more good bluegrass music. He highly suggests you come see the Grascals and Throwdown Thursday.
Danny Roberts wishes everyone a Happy New Year and a great 2026. Although he says he doesn’t really do resolutions, he wants to be the best dad, husband, and Christian that he can possibly be. He looks forward to going out and playing a lot of music, meeting folks, working on instruments, and enjoying life.
John Bryan also wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year and shared that he looks forward to seeing everybody in 2026.
Jamie Johnson’s resolution is to eat better and stay healthy. He reminds us to “Have a Happy New Year, everybody!”
By the way, Happy New Year from all of us here at Bluegrass Today, as well. May all your breakdowns be on the banjer.
