Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival will honor the career of bluegrass artist and storyteller Ron Thomason this July during his final performances after 50 years of touring, as he takes leave of his role with the Dry Branch Fire Squad.
Held July 15-19 at Oak Hill, NY, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival will have several occasions dedicated to honoring the legacy of Thomason within bluegrass music and his connection to the festival community.
For many participants at Grey Fox, performances by Thomason have come to represent a tradition within the annual event. The musician and his group are known for their bluegrass and storytelling and have played at the festival since 1985 and is a long time host band.
Raised in Russell County, Virginia, Thomason started performing professionally at 13 years old and went on to found Dry Branch Fire Squad in 1976. Throughout five decades, the band has become known for its commitment to traditional bluegrass music, touring in the United States and abroad, releasing more than 25 albums, and performing with musicians such as Ralph Stanley, Hazel Dickens, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Joe Isaacs, and The Clinch Mountain Boys.
In addition to his music career, Thomason had a lifelong role as an educator while simultaneously gaining a reputation through his involvement in conservation, horse training, and mentoring in the bluegrass industry.
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival continues into its fourth decade as one of North America’s finest bluegrass and roots festivals. The line up at the 2026 festival will include Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue, Del McCoury Band, The Infamous Stringdusters, The SteelDrivers, Darrell Scott String Band with Rob Ickes, Della Mae, The Brothers Comatose, Amy Helm, East Nash Grass, and more.
Ron Thomason Celebration Schedule
Thursday, July 16 – Dry Branch Fire Squad Welcome Set
Friday, July 17 – Life on the Road with Ron Thomason featuring stories and conversation with Ron, bandmates, and special guests hosted by Brad Kolodner
Saturday, July 18 – Hambone Workshop and Dry Branch Fire Squad performance
Sunday, July 19 – Dry Branch Fire Squad Gospel Set and Farewell
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival will be held from July 15 to July 19, Wednesday to Sunday, at 1 Poultney Road, Oak Hill, New York. The schedule can be found on the festival website.
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