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Bluegrass at the Rock Welcomes Daniel Grindstaff & the Uptown Troubadours on Nov. 1, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
"2-time IBMA nominated banjo extraordinaire Daniel Grindstaff has carved out his own path in the Bluegrass and American music. Along the way, he has shared the stage with some of his biggest musical heroes, appeared countless times at the iconic Grand Ole Opry and made several national television appearances. A native of East Tennessee, he has performed across the United States and Canada with some of the very best in Bluegrass, Acoustic, and Country music.
Daniel began his professional music career at the young age of 18, performing at the Opry in Nashville, Tennessee with late bluegrass legends Jim and Jesse McReynolds. At the age of 21, Daniel was not only performing with the McReynolds but had also been called upon to take the stage with the iconic Osborne Brothers, best known for their familiar hit and Tennessee state song “Rocky Top.” In the fall of 2006, Daniel began touring with Grammy Award winning artist, Marty Raybon. For the next five years Daniel remained an important part of Raybon’s studio recordings and concerts.
As the years followed, Grindstaff kept forging along, releasing new music of his own and doing what he loves, which is performing for fans. With a musical career that covers hundreds of appearances on the coveted stage of the Grand Ole Opry (as recent as 2024 with Daily & Vincent), national television appearances on Fox News morning show “Fox & Friends,” Smithsonian Folklife Festival, CMA Music Fest in Nashville, hundreds of live concerts, and many studio recordings, Daniel Grindstaff’s musical career and accomplishments speak for themselves, and he’s just getting started!
All that experience hit full circle with the release of his 2024 ‘Heroes & Friends’ project. It quickly stuck a chord, with the single “Forever Young” feat. the iconic Dolly Parton and Paul Brewster. “Forever Young” and the release of “Finnland” feat. Andy Leftwich both landed at #1, topping the Bluegrass Today and Bluegrass Unlimited Monthly Airplay Charts. The success of the songs landed “Heroes & Friends” as the #1 album in Bluegrass Music for March of 2025 on the coveted Bluegrass Unlimited chart.
The future is continually looking bright as 2025 brings new music and a new project introducing Daniel Grindstaff & the Uptown Troubadours. The core of this fresh and exciting musical collaboration features the remarkable talents of Derek Deakins, Kevin Richardson, and Kent Blanton. Each of these artists brings a wealth of experience and individual accomplishments to the stage, promising an unforgettable musical experience." (danielgrindstaff.com)
The Old Rock School in Valdese, North Carolina has become well-known throughout the nation for its outstanding bluegrass concerts. The 478 seat auditorium is the perfect place to hear all of your favorites. All of us at the Old Rock School are very excited about the 2025-2026 season, featuring an impressive lineup of talented bands. The handicap entrance is located at the side of the building (elevator).
