The Emorys, 1st place winners of the 2026 Bluegrass Showdown – photo © Vivian Pennington Hopkins
Bluegrass First Class in Asheville, NC is in full swing for its 31st year, and with it, Milton Harkey is returning Bluegrass Showdown, the international talent contest he spearheaded in the ’90s. Notable winners included New Vintage in 1993, Tina Adair in 1996, and the Ohop Valley Boys in 1999 (now Southern Blend). This year the band competition was held on Thursday night on the Showcase stage of the Crowne Plaza Resort.
Five bands vied for the top prize: Pickety Split from Charlotte; Free Rein Bluegrass Band from Maynardville, TN; North State Grass from Charlotte; the Emorys from Asheville, and Creekwater Collective from Pickens, SC. First place went to The Emorys, a Barnardsville family band.
The band has been performing for four years. Members consist of siblings Mariah, 18, guitar/mandolin; Hannah, 21, mandolin/fiddle/guitar; and 25-year-old triplets: Judah, cajon; Abigail, bass guitar, and Elisabeth, banjo; with their mom singing.
The all-star panel of judges included: Ricky Stroud, Darin Aldridge,Greg Blake, Darrell Webb, Jon Essick, and Carol Rifkin. The sextet privately critiqued each group following the competition.
Elisabeth Emory, the eldest of triplets, shared about her family’s win.
“All my emotions were so mixed together. I didn’t know if I was going to pass out or fly up to Heaven. I was overwhelmed in a good way.”
Mother, Melanie, added that winning was truly a surprise.
“What was funny is there was a big crowd last night, and we were standing at the back. When they announced the winner, we didn’t hear it. My husband [Phillip] heard, but none of the rest of us did. The next thing I know is they say, ‘Let’s have the Emorys come up and play a few more songs.’ I thought, ‘Why are we playing again?
So we get up and play and as we were leaving someone said, ‘Congratulations!’ And I said, ‘For what?’ We had no idea.”
Promoter of Bluegrass First Class and Bluegrass Showdown, Milton Harkey, shared…
“We are happy to be bringing back The Bluegrass Showdown. This is the largest crowd here on Thursday night at Bluegrass First Class that we have had in quite some time, and It is a fantastic kick off for The Showdown.
It’s exciting to witness the talent and enthusiasm and potential of these new bands. It reminds me of why we first started doing the Bluegrass Showdown in the ’90s. The judges are an impressive group from some of the best bands in bluegrass today, and I appreciate them taking this so seriously.
The opportunity to have mentors like them is incredibly valuable, and one of the greatest things about the Bluegrass Showdown. If you have a bluegrass band who wants to up your game, consider entering the Bluegrass Showdown.
We’re also pleased to be donating proceeds from the Bluegrass Showdown to the IBMA Foundation, which is working hard to support a bright future for bluegrass music. Check them out online.”
The festival continues today with professional groups on the main stage of the Expo Center. Today’s show features the Lonesome River Band, Appalachian Road Show, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, and 501 Central. Saturday begins at 11:15 a.m. with the King James Boys, followed by Cipollari, Olivia Jo, the Malpass Brothers, the Grascals, and Authentic Unlimited. The King James Boys will present a gospel program on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. on the showcase stage.
Dale Morris is serving once again as MC. David Chichester of GBS (Great Big Sound) is providing excellent audio.
The Crown Plaza Resort is located in Asheville, NC. For more information, visit Bluegrass First Class online. Tickets are still available.
