BGS readers, have we got a treat for you: four exclusive videos featuring performances from some of the most legendary voices in bluegrass, all filmed at the Industrial Strength Bluegrass festival in Wilmington, Ohio.
Industrial Strength Bluegrass – founded by renowned radio host and musician Joe Mullins – won Event of the Year from IBMA in 2022 and 2024. Featured artists from this series include Larry Sparks, Rhonda Vincent, Pitney Meyer, and Nothin’ Fancy.
“We invite everyone to our November Indoor Festival in Wilmington soon!” writes Daniel Mullins from the family’s studio at Real Roots Radio. His personal introductions for each of the songs are listed below.
Tickets and more information about this year’s event, to be held on November 12-14, 2026, can be found at Industrial Strength Bluegrass.
Larry Sparks, “John Deere Tractor”
“Everyone knows Larry Sparks, and everyone knows ‘John Deere Tractor.’ It’s cool watching Sparks sing it all these decades later.”
Rhonda Vincent, “What Ain’t To Be Just Might Happen”
“A Porter Wagoner song that works well as a bluegrass song. Rhonda cut this on her 2021 album Music Is What I See, so around the time she was inducted into the Opry. Rhonda returns to Industrial Strength Bluegrass in November 2026.”
Pitney Meyer, “Seminole Wind”
“This song was a hit for John Anderson. It continues to be timely and fits well into Pitney Meyer’s 2025 record… I believe it was the only cover on the project.”
Nothin’ Fancy, “Lover’s Concerto”
“This is pretty unique from Nothin’ Fancy’s fiddle player, Chris Sexton: an original tune with a classical intro that was originally cut on his 2005 solo record, Coffee at Midnight. Chris went to Shenandoah University for his master’s degree in violin pedagogy. Nothin’ Fancy will also be joining us at the Festival in November 2026.”
