Sounds of Bluegrass – Danny Roberts

GET TICKETS Join us for Sounds of Bluegrass, a brand-new weekly concert series celebrating the rich tradition and vibrant future of bluegrass music. Join us each week for live performances featuring talented regional and touring musicians. This performance will feature Danny Roberts: Danny Roberts’ musical journey began on the family farm in Leitchfield, Kentucky, where he first picked up a guitar to accompany his childhood friend Jimmy Mattingly. Growing up on neighboring farms, the two developed a musical partnership that would span decades. Before long, Roberts was winning contests throughout the region as both a guitarist and, eventually, a mandolin player, establishing himself as one of Kentucky’s most promising young bluegrass musicians. In 1982, Roberts co-founded New Tradition, one of the most influential and innovative bluegrass gospel groups of its era. During the band’s nearly twenty-year run-ten of those years touring full-time-New Tradition recorded ten albums, appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, and introduced countless fans to bluegrass through its fresh sound, powerful harmonies, and dynamic stage performances. The group’s groundbreaking video for “Seed of Love”, the first bluegrass music video to prominently feature the banjo, reached No. 1 on The Nashville Network (TNN), helping bring bluegrass music and its gospel message to a new generation of listeners. When New Tradition stopped touring in 2000, Roberts accepted a position with Gibson Musical Instruments’ Original Acoustic Instruments (OAI) division. His extensive knowledge of vintage instruments and mandolin construction quickly earned him increasing responsibilities, eventually serving as Mandolin Supervisor before becoming Plant Manager of the renowned luthiery. During his tenure, Roberts was instrumental in the development of many of Gibson’s finest modern mandolins. He served as the lead designer for the prestigious limited-edition Artist Models honoring Doyle Lawson, Adam Steffey, Wayne Benson, and Alan Bibey, while also designing prototypes for the celebrated Golden Rush series and numerous other mandolin models that continue to be prized by players and collectors alike. Following his years with Gibson, Roberts’ passion for exceptional instruments continued. In 2019, he began performing exclusively on McClanahan Mandolins, handcrafted by premier luthier Jonathan McClanahan. The partnership quickly grew into a close collaboration built on a shared commitment to craftsmanship, tone, and tradition. In 2025, McClanahan introduced the Danny Roberts Signature Model DRXV, a limited artist model designed to reflect Roberts’ exacting preferences developed over decades as both a professional performer and master luthier. Roberts is honored to represent Jonathan McClanahan and proudly showcases the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of McClanahan Mandolins. Even while helping build some of the world’s finest acoustic instruments, Roberts never stepped away from performing. He conducted mandolin workshops alongside legendary players including Sam Bush, Chris Thile, and Bobby Osborne, made guest appearances with artists such as Marty Raybon, Larry Cordle, and Melonie Cannon, and toured with bluegrass and country veteran Ronnie Reno as a member of The Reno Tradition. In 2004, Roberts reunited with his lifelong friend Jimmy Mattingly as a founding member of The Grascals, a band that would go on to become one of the most celebrated and influential groups in modern bluegrass. For more than two decades, Roberts has been an integral part of The Grascals, where his unmistakable mandolin playing has helped define the band’s award-winning sound and establish them as one of the genre’s most enduring and respected bands. The Grascals have won multiple International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards, including two Entertainer of the Year honors, as well as three GRAMMY Award nominations, while performing for audiences around the world. In addition, Roberts has received seven Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) Mandolin Performer of the Year Awards. Roberts has released three acclaimed solo albums that not only showcase his mandolin playing but his songwriting and vocals as well. His debut recording, Mandolin Orchard (2004), received extensive radio airplay and was recognized by the Chicago Tribune as one of the Top 10 Bluegrass Releases of 2004. He followed with Nighthawk (2014), a critically praised collection that further demonstrated his versatility as both a composer and interpreter. In 2026, Roberts released The Winding Road Leads Home, his most personal project to date-a collection reflecting the friendships, musical influences, and experiences accumulated throughout a lifetime devoted to bluegrass music. Away from the stage, Roberts continues to share his expertise through Just Off The Bench, his respected luthier shop specializing in professional setup, repair, and restoration of mandolins and other acoustic instruments. Drawing on decades of experience, he works with musicians of every level to help their instruments perform and sound their very best. Roberts has also spent many years as a mandolin instructor, mentoring students of all ages and skill levels while passing along the techniques, musicianship, and appreciation for bluegrass traditions that have defined his own career. Whether teaching, repairing instruments, or helping a player achieve the perfect setup, he is dedicated to helping others reach their full musical potential. For more than forty years, Roberts has devoted his life to bluegrass music, and he doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon! Tickets: Museum Members: Complimentary tickets are available as a benefit for those holding active museum memberships. Membership must be active through the event date. Select the “Museum Members” ticket option. Please bring your membership card and your ticket to the performance for admission. Museum Visitors: This concert is included with regular museum admission. Please present your museum admission receipt for concert entry. Advance Tickets: Advance tickets are available for $10. Seating is general admission. This concert will begin at 12:00 PM.