Bluegrass Ensemble Concert

Bluegrass Ensemble Concert

Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 8:00 pm
Wilson Concert Hall/Wilson Hall/Lenfest Center

No tickets required.

Join the Bluegrass Ensemble as it begins its second year since reforming in 2025 after a long hiatus. Directed by Blake Shester, Lecturer in Music, the Bluegrass Ensemble continues W&L's rich tradition of bluegrass and old-time string band music.

Building on the work of former directors Nate Leath and Burr Datz, and inspired by the legacy of Odell and Mata McGuire-whose efforts helped establish Lexington as a renowned center for traditional music, the ensemble connects students with the musical heritage of the Rockbridge County area and beyond. The performance will celebrate the spirit of bluegrass and old-time music through collaboration, creativity and community.

Instrumentalists and vocalists of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome and encouraged to join. Students will have the opportunity to engage directly with one of America's most vibrant musical traditions. We invite you to join us in celebrating music that continues to inspire new generations of musicians and audiences alike.

The Bluegrass Ensemble is friendly and welcome to all musicians and vocalists regardless of their prior musical background. We hope this performance demonstrates the beauty, elegance, and universality that this form of traditional American music has to offer.

Shester has been playing bluegrass banjo since his high school sophomore year and has picked up a few other stringed instruments along the way. He graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Biology while also founding The Mad Cow String Band in his time there. After college he moved to Nashville to be closer to the acoustic bluegrass scene and was a founding member of Off the Wagon and was a mainstay at the World Famous Station Inn. During his time in Tennessee he was able to play with a wide variety of bluegrass artists that toured the surrounding region and local music venues.

Performance will be streamed. go.wlu.edu/livestream.

Ticket Information

Showtimes: Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 8:00 pm

Where: Wilson Concert Hall

No tickets are required