Jim Lauderdale & The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys at the 2026 Jekyll Island Bluegrass Festival – photo © Bill Warren
The Jekyll Island Bluegrass Festival kicked off Thursday afternoon. Sherry Boyd is at the helm as MC. Promoters Ernie and Debi Evans were scurrying around tending to last minute details. Troy Pope is handling the sound.
This year’s festival is a tribute to Ralph and Carter, the Stanley Brothers, and two of the day’s bands are following the path they set.
Larry Efaw & the Bluegrass Mountaineers have produced the mountain bluegrass sound through several generations.
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys have their own sound, but take the audience back to the mountains. Banjo player Jereme Brown came up through his dad’s band, Tommy Brown and Countyline Grass. Tommy now drives the bus for the Boys and joins them on stage for a tune or two. Jim Lauderdale played a set with the Boys backing him. Many of the songs he sang were from collaborations with Ralph.
Deeper Shade of Blue and Nothin’ Fancy rounded out the day.
Harmony is the key word with both bands. There is also a generous dose of shenanigans!
Friday features a Stanley Brothers tribute led by Ralph II & Friends. The Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters open the day followed by Kenny Stinson, Remedy Tree, Nothin’ Fancy, and Southern Legacy.
Saturday brings Ralph II, Lorraine Jordan & Country Grass featuring Larry Cordle, The Isaacs, and the Malpass Brothers.
Next year’s dates are January 7, 8, and 9.
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