Billy Strings Drops In On Sam Bush’s Concert In Michigan

Two generations of bluegrass musicians shared the stage together when Michigan native Billy Strings joined Sam Bush last night in Grand Rapids. The collaboration took place during Bush’s concert at St. Cecilia Music Center.

Bush and his bandmates – drummer Chris Brown, banjo player Wes Corbett, guitarist Stephen Mougin and bassist Todd Parks – were joined by Strings on acoustic guitar after he was summoned to the stage by Bush. Speaking to the Grand Rapids audience, Bush stated:

“I want to call out a good pal — he’s taken bluegrass music, he too, has taken it to a new level, a whole new level. He’s bringing it to audiences that didn’t even know – that might not have ever even seen mandolins and banjos and fiddles before — so I want you to make welcome a pal of ours, that I’m really happy when he’s in this neck of the woods sometimes. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Billy Strings.”

The sit-in started with Strings singing lead on “Think Of What You’ve Done” by The Stanley Brothers, a song he’s performed live a few times over the years. The guest guitarist remained for a take on “Bringing In The Georgia Mail,” Charlie Monroe’s song that’s more frequently played in concert by Strings.

Later, Bush and his bandmates switched to electric instruments and brought back Strings – who remained acoustic – for a stretched-out version of Bob Dylan’s “When You Gonna Wake Up.”

Videos posted by attendees of Thursday’s Sam Bush show featuring special guest Billy Strings below: