Hot Rize Tickets

Hot Rize stands as a pillar of modern bluegrass, blending technical prowess with heartfelt storytelling. Inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2025, this legendary group has shaped the genre across decades with tight harmonies, blazing instrumentals, and a catalog that resonates with fans from Nashville to Nashville-adjacent venues. Here’s a concise look at their history, essential recordings, and upcoming appearances you can catch during their reunion-focused 2025 events.

Note: 2025 activities center on reunion performances and IBMA-related appearances, with no broad touring footprint announced beyond these engagements. Secure your seats early to witness a band whose influence spans generations.

Hot Rize pioneered a collaborative spirit in bluegrass, starting with original core members Tim O’Brien, Pete Wernick, Nick Forster, and Charles Sawtelle. After Sawtelle’s passing, Bryan Sutton joined in 2002, continuing the group’s legacy with virtuosic guitar work and seamless vocal blend. Their 1980s hits, including Walk the Way the Wind Blows and Colleen Malone (IBMA Song of the Year, 1991), remain touchstones of the genre. In 2014 the band reunited for new material on When I’m Free (Ten in Hand Records), and they celebrated a 40th anniversary with the 2018 live album Bash. This year’s IBMA induction marks a historic milestone as fans look back at a storied catalog that spans eight studio albums (1979–2014) and numerous live recordings on Flying Fish and Sugar Hill. Even as 2025 focuses on special appearances, Hot Rize’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of pickers and listeners alike. For those seeking authentic bluegrass with a veteran’s depth, Hot Rize remains a trusted, no-fuss option for memorable performances.