For over thirty years, MerleFest’s Late Night Jam has been the after-hours festival gathering space for some of the best pickers in the world mingling alongside new generations of talent. This annual tradition was initially led by festival founder Doc Watson, his family, and his peers. In 2025, the Late Night Jam hosting torch was passed to the equally legendary Sam Bush, who held court alongside Peter Rowan, Casey Driessen, Jerry Douglas, and countless other musical friends. Over the years, BGS has had the pleasure of partnering with MerleFest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina to present the Late Night Jam on the Saturday night of the festival. As in 2025, we’ll be back this year in 2026 to enjoy the fun with Ketch Secor and Old Crow Medicine Show stepping in as hosts. Tickets for the Late Night Jam are still available.
In the run up to this year’s festival, set for April 23 through 26, BGS is partnering with MerleFest and our videographer friends at I Know We Should to share exclusive video clips from 2025’s Late Night Jam. Our second clip in the series features Nashville’s favorite bluegrass-band-in-residence East Nash Grass joining the evening’s host Sam Bush on stage for an absolute timeless bluegrass banger, “Toy Heart.” Originated by Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys, East Nash Grass do the song justice with a kick-off by mandolinist Harry Clark punctuated by the beloved, crispy chop of Bush. James Kee sings lead, while banjoist Cory Walker offers two solos spanning traditional and off-the-wall picking styles. And ENG fiddler Maddie Denton makes her second appearance in a Late Night Jam clip – watch her perform twin fiddle with Casey Driessen, Tony Trischka, and Bush on “Close By” here. You’re always going have plenty of excellent, straight ahead bluegrass to enjoy at MerleFest and the Late Night Jam.
Over the next few weeks we’ll share additional exciting performances from 2025’s Late Night Jam. Stay tuned for more and make your plans now to experience it live, in person, at the 2026 Late Night Jam at MerleFest, hosted by Ketch Secor & Old Crow Medicine Show. Buy your tickets here – and get more information on the Late Night Jam here.
Video Credits: I Know We Should, Brad Wagner and Juan Soria.
