Blue Ox Music Festival drew thousands to Eau Claire, WI over the weekend, where a fortunate few witnessed Greensky Bluegrass and Molly Tuttle collaborate onstage. The respective bluegrass powerhouses joined together on “My Love Will Not Change”, penned by Shawn Camp and made famous by Del McCoury.
After an opening trio of originals “Windshield”, “Living Over”, and “Better Off”, Greensky Bluegrass welcomed fellow top act Molly Tuttle. Though guitarist Dave Bruzza took lead vocals and commanded center stage, mandolinist Paul Hoffman stole attention (as he is wont to do) on stage right thanks to his custom-fitted floral crown made by festival craft vendor Lily Beez’ LLC.
Banjoist Michael Bont kicked off an around-the-horn jam that made its way down the line to the guest of honor. The two-time IBMA Guitarist of the Year experimented with repetitive dissonant notes in a solo that pushed bluegrass boundaries. Ever the gracious visitor, Tuttle shared the spotlight as she got caught up in an engaging mono y mono with dobro player Anders Beck before Bruzza brought the song to a close.
Greensky Bluegrass, Molly Tuttle — “My Love Will Not Change” (Shawn Camp) — 6/27/25
[Video: Max Berde]
Greesnky Tuttlegrass was just one of many collaborations that graced the stages at Blue Ox. Throughout the festival, the old guards of bluegrass annointed the next generation, with icon Peter Rowan joining his former Old & In The Way bandmate David Grisman‘s son Sam Grisman and his eponymous project for an entire set. Elsewhere, newgrass pioneer Sam Bush joined up-and-comers Mountain Grass Unit for a cover by cult favorite grass band (and frequent Bush collaborator) Dread Clampitt.
Check out some photos from Blue Ox Music Festival 2025 courtesy of photographer Bill Grenfell, along with a collection of fan-shot videos.
Mountain Grass Unit, Sam Bush — “Redneck Coozie” (Dread Clampitt) — 6/26/25
[Video: Dwd Music Media]
Setlist: Greensky Bluegrass | Blue Ox Music Festival | Eau Claire, WI | 6/27/25
Set: Windshield, Living Over, Better Off, My Love Will Not Change (Shawn Camp) [1], Burn Them, Take Cover, Blood Sucking F(r)iends, Leap Year, In Control, Kerosene, Can’t Stop Now (Wendy Waldman), Grow Together
Encore: Atlantic City (Bruce Springsteen)
[1] w/ Molly Tuttle
Blue Ox Music Festival | The Pines Music Park | Eau Claire, WI | 6/26/25–6/28/25 | Photos: Bill Grenfell
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Chaparelle -
Chaparelle -
Horseshoes & Hand Grenades -
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Rising Appalachia -
Rising Appalachia -
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Sam Bush Band -
Sam Bush Band -
Sam Bush Band -
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Clare Doyle -
Charlie Parr -
Charlie Parr -
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Big Richard -
Tall Tall Trees -
Tall Tall Trees -
Molly Tuttle -
Molly Tuttle -
Molly Tuttle -
Molly Tuttle -
Molly Tuttle -
St. Paul & The Broken Bones -
St. Paul & The Broken Bones -
Greensky Bluegrass -
Greensky Bluegrass -
Greensky Bluegrass w/ Molly Tuttle -
Greensky Bluegrass -
Greensky Bluegrass -
Greensky Bluegrass -
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Hurray For The Riff Raff -
The Wildmans -
Sam Grisman Project w/ Peter Rowan -
Sam Grisman Project w/ Peter Rowan -
Pert Near Sandstone -
Warren Haynes Band