Bethesda Bluegrass is a talented, dynamic group of young adults who are seeking to carry on bluegrass music for the next generation. Brothers Caleb (20), Jackson (19), and Connor (17) Hagwood carry powerful, hard-driving rhythms on bass, banjo, and mandolin, forming the foundation of the band. Rounding out the band, Nathan Aldridge (15) brings energy with his fine bluegrass fiddle playing and Bailey Coe (19) joins in on lead and harmony vocals playing rhythm guitar. These young musicians provide a family-friendly show that is sure to impress.
The band started in 2005 in Durham, North Carolina as a family group called the Bethesda Bluegrass Boys, consisting of brothers Caleb, Jackson and Connor Hagwood and father Mark on guitar. The boys took music lessons together and played regularly at church functions, retirement communities and private venues.
In early 2008, they added fiddle player and vocalist Holly Riley to the group and continued to expand their gigging horizons to small stages, radio stations, and venues around North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. In 2010, they added longtime friend and guitarist/vocalist Virginia Groover to the band, switching the official name of the band to Bethesda Bluegrass and pursuing the band as a full youth bluegrass band.
In mid-2012, Holly Riley and Virginia Groover moved on to puruse higher education and work opportunities. They may be seen occasionally joining the group as their schedules allow.
The name "Bethesda" comes from a community in Durham, North Carolina, where the Hagwood family resides.
Bethesda Bluegrass is based out of Durham, North Carolina. The band seeks to glorify their Savior, Jesus Christ, by using the talent He gave them as they play some of the best hard-dirving bluegrass music that North Carolina youth has to offer.
Bethesda Bluegrass plays inside, outside - weddings, festivals, birthday parties, outdoor music shows, stage shows, radio stations, coffee shops, restaurants, churches, campouts, fall festivals, and much, much more! They've won top awards at the NC State Fair, the NC AgFest, Lil' John's Mountain Music Festival and numerous fiddlers' conventions. They play for all ages and all types of venues; they love to play for any energetic and lively crowd who wants to be entertained and encouraged.
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