By Jenna Moore
ON SATURDAY, March 29, 2025, Nashville’s illustrious bluegrass band will make their debut at the Savannah Music Festival in the Metal Building at Trustee’s Garden.
Coming from Music City, East Nash Grass got its name for its remarkable reputation earned by an extraordinary bunch of bluegrass pickers and songwriters.
This Nashville string band started in 2017 as a weekly collective of pickers on a small stage at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge. Over the first few years, the group experienced changes in members and leadership.
However, a collective of dedicated musicians assembled and evolved into what is now a bluegrass band with honest intention and an ever-growing following.
East Nash Grass is embodied by James Kee (guitar), Maddie Denton (fiddle), Harry Clark (mandolin), Gaven Largent (dobro) and Jeff Partin (bass) Cory Walker (banjo).
Each member is a professional musician and gifted songwriter, which naturally enhances this group’s music lyrically. However, the individual contributions from these instrumental collaborators create an enchanting energy onstage during their live performances.
The band’s self-titled album, “East Nash Grass” was released in 2021, followed by their second in 2023 — “Last Chance to Win.”
In 2024, East Nash Grass won the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) “New Artist of the Year” award.
The Savannahian chatted with East Nash Grass’ fiddle player, Maddie Denton, about her musical accomplishments, who she’s listening to, and more!
Here’s what she had to say!
Let’s start with your musical background. Please share some of your music journey.
Well, I am a third-generation fiddle player from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. My mother began playing the fiddle at 15 years old like her father. I started playing at five and became a Grand Master Fiddle Champion in 2016.
Since 2008, I have won 14 state championship titles in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana.
After 20-plus years of playing the fiddle, I recorded my first album during the pandemic. The record is mostly originals, but a few friends — Theo MacMillan and Jason Owen — wrote a few tunes for me, as well.
In my spare time, I love competing in fiddle contests and because I enjoy playing different fiddle styles, I also play fiddle for a few other bands, too! (Dan Tyminski Band and Theo & Brenna Band).
Is the fiddle your only instrument?
No… I also play guitar, tenor guitar player and mandolin. I play tenor guitar for my fellow musicians during competitions.
Did you always know you would follow the family tradition of becoming a musician?
My parents put a fiddle in the closet for whenever I wanted to pick it up… There were no expectations, pressure or forceful imposition to play the fiddle. I am grateful they allowed me to make the decision and have a choice.
Who are some of your music mentors and heroes?
Alison Krauss is at the top of my list. She is absolutely incredible.
What are you currently listening to?
Old-time, fiddle music and bluegrass mostly, but I like other music like Blitzen Trapper.
And Tatiana Hargreaves from Oregon. There is a tenacity and groove to her playing style that I love! I also love Judy Hyman! Recently, a friend recommended Jason & Pharis Romero and Friends (2010) so, I have been listening to that, too.
To influence and inspire my songwriting, I’ve been listening to a lot of jazz. Especially, jazz violinist, Joe Venuti and bluegrass musicians like Tony Rice.
Do you have a most memorable music moment?
Definitely! The most memorable so far was when we were invited to play at The Grand Ole Opry on Halloween. The Opry gives out these metal signs as keepsakes… that night was just so amazing. Unforgettable for sure!
Also, our upcoming show at The Ryman. We are headlining on July 15th and I know that will be a memorable moment. We’ve played there before on a co-bill for Bluegrass Nights at The Ryman. Now, we are headlining our own show! We are super excited about that performance!
What are some of your go-to albums or songs?
Béla Fleck's “Bluegrass Session” Volume 2 is my favorite album. But it was Jim Mills’ “My Dixie Home” that inspired me to want to do this!
I listened to it 3 times back to back and that was it. Stuart Duncan's fiddle solo convinced me that I had to quit my teaching job and follow this musical journey.
Is there any new music in the works for you and East Nash Grass?
Yes! The band’s third album is coming out this year. Starting in June, we will begin releasing singles for that so, stay tuned for that!
And I am planning to record a follow-up album to my first, “Playin’ in this Town” (2021).
Get your East Nash Grass Savannah Music Festival tickets — The show starts at 4:30 p.m.!
Savannahians, don’t forget to check out all the amazing Savannah Music Festival events from March 2 - April 11, 2025!
You can listen to East Nash Grass on Spotify, follow the band on Facebook and Instagram… and, as always, support the band by purchasing some East Nash Grass merch.