Downtown Music: Blue Ridge Gathering in Golden Heart Plaza

Please join us for a FREE showcase concert performance in beautiful downtown Fairbanks from our FSAF American Roots Guest Artist headliners for 2026, Blue Ridge Gathering! These Downtown Music concerts are organized and brought to you by Festival Fairbanks!

Blue Ridge Gathering is a Knoxville-based neo-traditional old-time trio that blends the soulful roots of Appalachian music with fresh energy and a modern twist. Featuring Cody Bauer, Jessica Watson, and Duck Ryan, the group weaves traditional old-time with influences from bluegrass, Celtic, and folk music—delivering a sound that is both timeless and alive.

Their dynamic repertoire includes original songs and tunes alongside thoughtful covers of artists like the Reeltime Travelers, Gillian Welch, and Joe Troop, as well as a rich trove of old-time fiddle tunes. Known for their vibrant stage presence and the ability to create a full, textured sound with just three instruments, Blue Ridge Gathering transforms every performance into a memorable experience.

The trio’s artistry has been recognized at the heart of old-time music culture, the Appalachian Stringband Festival (Clifftop), where they took 1st place in the Neo-Traditional Band competition in 2024. They also earned accolades for Best Original Song (2023) and Best Original Tune (2024) at the same festival.

Blue Ridge Gathering recently recorded a five-song EP, featuring three original tracks that showcase their unique voice in the evolving old-time music landscape.