Band Bio:

Blue Ridge Gathering is a Knoxville-based neo-traditional old time trio. Cody Bauer, Jessica Watson, and Duck Ryan combine traditional old time music with strong bluegrass and Celtic influences, alongside an energetic and engaging stage presence. Their repertoire includes original songs and tunes as well as covers of artists such as Reeltime Travelers, Gillian Welch, and Joe Troop, plus a wealth of old time fiddle tunes. Blue Ridge Gathering took 1st place in the Neo-Traditional Band Competition (2024) at the Appalachian Stringband Festival (Clifftop), and received Best Original Song (2023) and Best Original Tune (2024) at Clifftop. In June 2025, Blue Ridge Gathering released their self-titled six-song EP, three of which are originals. With a unique ability to fill sonic space with only three instruments, a BRG show is always a memorable experience.

Accolades:

Top 3 Finalsist - Freshgrass Band Contest - 2025

1st Place - Neo-Traditional Band Contest - Appalachian Stringband Festival (Clifftop) - 2024

Best Original Instrumental Tune (Green Cove) - Appalachian Stringband Festival (Clifftop) - 2024

Best Original Song (Rain Check) - Appalachian Stringband Festival (Clifftop) - 2023

1st Place Bluegrass Fiddle (Cody Bauer) - Galax Fiddlers' Convention - 2022

2nd Place Old Time Fiddle (Cody Bauer) - Galax Fiddlers' Convention - 2023

Top 3 Finalist Fiddle Category at Freshgrass - 2025

Direct Support, Co-Bills, Notable Performances:

Laurel Theater with The Local Honeys (2025)

Bristol Hardrock Hotel & Casino with Blake Shelton (2024)

Appalachian Stringband Festival - Featured Main Stage Performance Slot (2025)

Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center - Ampitheatre Stage (2024)