Raleigh, NC – Hurricane Helene lashed out with wind and rain last night, but within the safety of the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, the atmosphere was alive with celebration. Sam Bush, a member of the Bluegrass Hall of Fame, inductee Jerry Douglas during a prestigious ceremony that underscored their significant impact on bluegrass music over the past fifty years.
This event was particularly poignant as Bush himself became a Hall of Fame member last year. Both artists have been pivotal in redefining bluegrass by blending traditional sounds with a multi-genre approach, a feat they have accomplished both as collaborators and as back-up musicians for various notable names.
The ceremony highlighted their tight friendship, as the two live just a mile apart in Nashville. “Sam is my brother,” Douglas remarked, emphasizing their musical chemistry. “He’s the best drummer in the world, but he plays the mandolin.” This collaboration spurred each artist to elevate the music they perform, pushing traditional boundaries into innovative territory.
The duo’s careers have intersected with countless influential artists. Douglas has recorded alongside luminaries like James Taylor and Elvis Costello, while Bush has shared stages with the likes of Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt. Their commitment to mentoring younger musicians has also played a critical role in the evolution of bluegrass music. Douglas produced Grammy-winning albums for rising star Molly Tuttle, while Bush fostered young talent, including acclaimed artist Sierra Hull.
As both prepare to embark on separate performances, Douglas is set to co-headline the Moonshiner’s Ball in Rockcastle County on October 12, while Bush will perform at the Kentucky Theatre on October 17. Douglas’s latest album, The Set, features his band in a percussion-free setting, allowing for dynamic sound exploration. Bush’s tribute album Radio John pays homage to bluegrass pioneer John Hartford.
Both performances promise to showcase their enduring passion and musical prowess. “It’s always been a gift that when it’s time to play, my mind just goes to the music,” Bush stated, capturing the essence of their continued journey in music. “When the rhythm section is really popping, it feels so good.”
The Moonshiner’s Ball runs from October 10-13, while the Jerry Douglas Band will play on October 12 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$220. Bush will take the stage at the Kentucky Theatre on October 17 at 7:30 p.m., with tickets available for $55.
