Wytheville Community College (WCC) is pleased to announce its free monthly Bluegrass and Old-Time Jamboree! The jamboree will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in the William F. Snyder Auditorium on the WCC campus located at 1000 East Main Street, Wytheville.
The conventional bluegrass categories of traditional and progressive are of little help in describing the music of Bluestone. Made up of top musicians who have devoted themselves to cultivating a unique group sound rather than displaying their individual talents, the band performs classic bluegrass numbers and contemporary songs. They have been especially noted for their close-harmony singing. The members of the band are: Tom Foley, bass and vocalist; Matt Stacy, mandolin and vocalist; Craig Smith, guitar and vocalist; and Ebby Jewell, banjo. The band started in 2002 in Southwest Virginia, and has performed all around the area. Bluestone has opened for bands like III Time Out, Lonesome River Band, Marty Raybon, Dr. Ralph Stanley, and many others.
The Yates Family Band brings together generations of Appalachian musicians, blending old-time and bluegrass traditions while passing their love of mountain music to the next generation. Based in Konnarock, Virginia, Tim and Debbie Grim Yates—each with over 35 years of performing experience—have combined their talents to create a dynamic and entertaining group.
Tim began with his family band, John Yates and The Yates Brothers, while Debbie performed with the original Konnarock Critters. Their daughters, Molly and Sadie, have been on stage since childhood—Molly playing mandolin, guitar, and banjo, and Sadie performing on bass fiddle and dojo (a dulcimer/banjo hybrid). The band is often joined by friends and family, including longtime collaborator Bruce Waters and Tim’s nephew Jordon Yates, adding even more depth and versatility to their sound.
Seating for the event is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The event is free and open to the public; however, donations will be accepted to help defray the travel expenses of the bands.
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