Carly Pearce Steps In After Lukas Nelson Bows Out Of 2025 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Carly Pearce has been added to the 2025 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion lineup. The 24th annual festival will take place September 19 – 21 on State Street in Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia.

Pearce comes aboard following Lukas Nelson's withdrawal from the festival. Lukas cited his desire to support his father, legendary musician Willie Nelson, at Farm Aid as the reason for his cancellation. Read Lukas Nelson’s statement below:

“As most of you know, my family is the most important thing in my life. Recently, my father expressed that he would like me with him at Farm Aid this year. Unfortunately, it falls on the same day as the Rhythm and Roots Festival in Bristol, TN, which leads me to have to cancel my scheduled appearance there. When I confirmed this appearance, the final date for Farm Aid had not yet been set. I hope everyone will understand my decision here. I have been struggling with it for weeks since Farm Aid was announced. I feel strongly that being with my father and supporting my family is where I need to be. I will make it up to the folks in Bristol in every way I can. ~ Love, Lucas.”

“We deeply respect and support Lukas’ decision to be with his family and wish them the very best,” Melissa Roberts, executive director of festival organizers the Birthplace of Country Music, stated. “Lukas has a home here in Bristol, and we’ll work with his team to bring him here in the future.”

Carly Pearce will perform on the State Street Stage starting at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, September 20. “She’s an artist who bridges generations through her music, and her Kentucky roots make her a natural fit for our festival,” Roberts added.

The Teskey Brothers, Michael Cleveland, Hippies and Cowboys, Joy Oladokun, Mountain Grass Unit, Ashley Monroe and Fruition lead the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion lineup on Friday, September 19.

Pearce is joined on the bill for Saturday, September 20 by Shane Smith & The Saints, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Kaitlin Butts, Futurebirds, The Wilder Blue, Shadowgrass, Ken Pomeroy, Theo Lawrence, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley and many more.

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion ends on Sunday, September 21 after performances by Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, The Band Perry, Steep Canyon Rangers, Sister Sadie, Ickes & Hensley, Jarekus Singleton, Denitia, , Cruz Contreras and Jim Lauderdale, among others.

Click below for the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2025 lineup by-day and additional information.