With sunshine on Friday and a brief spell of rain Saturday afternoon, BirdFest 2025 still drew enthusiastic crowds who stayed—and came back—for an unforgettable weekend of bluegrass and Americana music at The Wildlife Education Center in Pinewood.
Held in the heart of Clarendon County, the festival brought together music lovers from across the region for performances on two stages, vendor favorites, and heartfelt community spirit. Even as showers rolled in Saturday, many fans remained, umbrellas in hand, and returned in full force for the evening’s legendary headliners.
From the soul-stirring harmonies of Holler Choir to the legendary sounds of Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, this year’s BirdFest delivered on every note.
LEGENDS TAKE THE MAIN STAGE
One of the weekend’s most anticipated acts, Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, did not disappoint. Skaggs, a 15-time GRAMMY winner and member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, took the stage Saturday evening backed by his powerhouse band: Russ Carson, Jake Workman, Dennis Parker, Gavin Kelso, Mike Rogers, and Billy Contreras. Together, they delivered a performance that honored the traditional sounds of bluegrass while thrilling the audience with modern mastery.
Closing out both Friday and Saturday night were Steep Canyon Rangers, North Carolina natives known for their innovative blend of Americana and bluegrass. With 14 studio albums, a GRAMMY win, and past collaborations with actor and banjoist Steve Martin, the group captivated fans with rich harmonies and standout solos. Mandolinist Mike Guggino and bassist Barrett Smith even returned Saturday afternoon for a special second stage set.
SPOTLIGHTS ON RISING ARTISTS
Friday’s acts included the energetic Cosmic Possums, the soul-drenched sounds of Holler Choir, and the all-women string band Della Mae, who earned standing ovations for their performances rooted in storytelling and activism. Della Mae’s Celia Woodsmith and Kimber Ludiker led the group with passion and power, blending fiddle-driven melodies with bold vocals.
Saturday’s early lineup introduced festival goers to emerging favorites like Stoneface Mountain, a Boston-based group of young musicians keeping the genre’s roots alive. Their classic sound, reminiscent of Flatt and Scruggs, was met with enthusiastic applause.
Later in the afternoon, Fireside Collective brought a burst of progressive bluegrass energy to the main stage. Winners of the 2016 MerleFest Band Contest and known for blending folk, funk, and blues into their sets, the Asheville-based quintet had the crowd on their feet with each fiery instrumental break.
North Carolina husband-and-wife duo Chatham Rabbits delivered one of the weekend’s most intimate performances with heartfelt lyrics and acoustic charm. Their set was praised for its emotional depth and simplicity, reminding listeners of the genre’s storytelling roots.
MORE THAN MUSIC
The second stage featured a packed schedule of performances, including a band competition, Carolina Bluegrass Style, and a live recording of The Wiley Cash Show. Vendors offered everything from West Wind Tie Dye and Local Pie to Guat A Taco and Lawyers Barbecue, while kids and adults alike enjoyed interactive experiences from Twisted Yoga and Cookie Pics.
BirdFest 2025 was made possible by generous support from local sponsors including Simpson Construction (Platinum); Sounds of Grace, Sumter Opera House, Morgan Stanley, and Sumter Edge (Gold); and Lewis Lawn Care, A Mobile Storage, Kent Law Firm, Southern Crown Partners, and many more (Silver).
As BirdFest continues to grow, organizers say they’re already planning for next year’s event, hoping to expand both artist outreach and community programming.
“This weekend was about more than music,” one attendee shared. “It was about connection—through every song, every story, and every smile in the crowd.”
