Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – The annual Big Grass Bluegrass Festival will take place Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, at the Collins Theatre, 120 W. Emerson St., in Paragould.

The event is presented by the Collins Theatre Foundation with support from KASU-FM, the public media service of Arkansas State University.

Six renowned bluegrass acts will be featured over the course of three concerts. Performing at 7 p.m. Friday, July 24, will be Chris Jones and the Night Drivers and Wood Box Heroes.

Chris Jones and the Night Drivers is an award-winning bluegrass ensemble known for its blend of traditional roots, original songwriting and dry humor. Founded in 1995 by singer and guitarist Chris Jones, the band has earned more than a dozen International Bluegrass Music Association awards and has achieved more than 24 No. 1 songs on the charts. Jones is also well known as a DJ for SiriusXM satellite radio, hosting programs on its Bluegrass Junction and Willie’s Roadhouse channels.

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Wood Box Heroes is an American acoustic “supergroup” composed of Nashville session musicians and award-winning artists. The band is known for a contemporary bluegrass sound that incorporates jazz, rock and classical influences. 

The group includes fiddler, vocalist and Arkansas native Jenee’ Fleenor, a five-time winner of the Country Music Association’s Musician of the Year honor. She’s also a six-time winner of the Arkansas Country Music Association’s Fiddle Player of the Year award.

Fleenor has performed as a member of the touring bands of Blake Shelton and George Strait. Also in the band is Grammy Award winner Barry Bales, a longtime member of Alison Krauss’ band Union Station.

Three bands will perform during the 1 p.m. concert, followed by a performance from Rhonda Vincent and the Rage at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 25 to close the festival. 

Ramblin’ Heart is a bluegrass ensemble based in Benton. The group is recognized for its vocal harmonies and traditional bluegrass style. Members include former musicians from longtime regional bluegrass favorites Cedar Hill, the Acousticatz and the Baker Family.

High Fidelity is an award-winning bluegrass quartet based near Nashville, known for recreating the “high fidelity” sound of 1950s and ’60s bluegrass bands. Formed in 2014, the group draws inspiration from first-generation bluegrass artists such as Don Reno & Red Smiley, the Stanley Brothers, and Jim & Jesse. The group includes former Paragould resident and A-State graduate Kurt Stephenson, a National Bluegrass Banjo Champion

Williamson Branch is a Nashville-based family bluegrass band known for its polished harmonies and energetic stage presence. Founded in 2014, the group is entering its 12th touring season in 2026. Williamson Branch has more than 500,000 social media followers and has had multiple No. 1 and top-10 hits. 

Widely considered one of the most decorated acts in bluegrass music, Vincent and her band have received more than 100 awards collectively. Led by Grand Ole Opry member Vincent, often hailed as the “Queen of Bluegrass,” the group is known for blending traditional bluegrass with elements of classic country.

Tickets and more information are available online. 

The Collins Theatre is also the home for KASU’s Bluegrass Monday concert series, typically held on the fourth Monday night of each month.  Due to this festival, there will be no concert in the series in July.  The next Bluegrass Monday will be Aug. 24, featuring the Bays Mountain Cut-Ups.

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