Ricky Skaggs is one of the few remaining links to the founding fathers of bluegrass. Ricky played with the duo at the ripe old age of seven when he performed on their syndicated TV show, which earned the prodigy his first paycheck. In 1971, Skaggs along with his friend, the late country singer, Keith Whitley joined the band of bluegrass patriarch Ralph Stanley. During that time his skills only improved which led into the 1980's and beyond when Ricky became a chart-topping country artist in his own right. Today, Ricky remains a staple in the bluegrass and country worlds. He is also a man of faith who has released plenty of praise songs, too.

Kentucky Thunder brought their patented and powerful form of bluegrass back to the Ryman in 2025.

At the Ryman, Bill Cody from WSM Radio opened the festivities with a brief history of the venue which dates back to 1892. Cody joked that the pews were not designed for your comfort. He also gave a shout-out to the sponsors including Springer Mountain Farms who have been supporting this concert series for the past eighteen years. Later in the evening, Ricky said that he has been involved with these shows just as long. Skaggs would also touch upon the origins of bluegrass while boldly declaring that bluegrass is real music because it is played by people and comes from the heart.

At the start, Skaggs received a warm welcome from the packed house. Right away they went into some rapid-fire picking on the direct "Lost and I'll Never Find the Way" before slowing it down for someting with a bit of an Irish-folk feel to it. Next, they paid tribute to The Stanley Brothers (Ralph & Carter) aka The Clinch Mountain Boys who made their mark in the genre from 1946 to 1966. As is the custom in bluegrass solos were mixed in so all the members of Kentucky Thunder had their moments in the spotlight and collectively this group is tight.

Throughout the night, Ricky expressed his appreciation to those who have gone before him so quite a few of the numbers such as the sentimental "Simple Life" were covers that carry on the rich traditions of the genre. Another moving piece was the "Halfway Home Cafe" telling compelling tales of redemption and second chances. They paid tribute to Bill Monroe with a beguiling "Blue Moon of Kentucky" to round out the first set.

At the Mother Church of Country Music, Ricky Skaggs had a bit of a surprise up his sleeve. He introduced the newest member of Kentucky Thunder - a pedal steel player - to create a slightly unorthodox configuration for bluegrass proper. But, the addition of the instrument allowed Skaggs to present his powerful back catalog in more authentic fashion to the way the songs were originally recorded.

Dennis Parker announced that this was his last concert as a member of Kentucky Thunder.

The second half of the show took us back to the 1980's and 1990's. Kentucky Thunder aptly handled the country hits such as "Heartbroke" and "Honey (Open That Door)" that featured some electric guitars. Ricky dedicated "I Wouldn't Change You If I Could" to his wife Sharon who was in the audience. They shifted back to bluegrass with the rousing "Rockland Road".

"Is this okay," Skaggs asked the aficionados at the sold-out Ryman Auditorium wondering out loud how the fans at the bluegrass festivals would accept this small but significant change to Kentucky Thunder. He will soon find out as the group heads out on the road for a full slate of shows through the summer and fall.

More shocking changes to the band were in store on this night as guitarist Dennis Parker stepped up to share a testimony about sobriety and also said that after nine years, tonight would be his last night with Kentucky Thunder. Standing in the spotlight alone Dennis sang that "as long as I have Jesus I'll be Ok". The audience was attentive and gave Parker a standing ovation as the talented sideman faces an uncertain future as a solo artist. But, if his Songs Under the Air Condition Ing Unit is any indication - he's gonna need shades!

Next, Skaggs said hello to his friend in the audience Gordon Kennedy who he worked with on 2010's critically-acclaimed Mosaic that he described as his most Bealtlesque release to date although with a Gospel flair. Ricky then played a track in a spiritual vein from the follow-up that promises to be called Moresaic or Mosaic II when the pair can settle on a name.

Farm Bureau was giving away this autographed Ricky Skaggs guitar.

Then it was back to more bluegrass before Skaggs emerged solo for the encore asking the Ryman faithful to join him in singing "Amazing Grace" for a transcendent moment that transported everyone in the building back to the Mother Church's days as a revival hall. Kentucky Thunder then returned to the hallowed stage and sent everyone home with a rousing "Shady Grove" - an appropriate homage to as the traditional Appalachian folk song paid tribute to the band's Kentucky origins.

Before the main event, Pickin' on the Plaza featured Dana Romanello and her talented team who played bluegrass and more. Dana began singing in her family's band at a young age. Since moving to Nashville, Romanello has performed at WSM, the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree, Music City Roots, Bluegrass Underground and the International Bluegrass Music Association's songwriter showcase. Her music is available on all digital platforms.

Other vendors were on the plaza promoting their businesses. Dingo was giving away a pair of stylish cowboy boots while Farm Bureau was doing the same with a Ricky Skaggs autographed guitar. Of course, Springer Mountain Farms were taking names for a drawing that promised to make one lucky fan "chicken rich". Ricky Skaggs returns to Nashville in December as his Kentucky Thunder Christmas moves to The Fisher Center on the campus of Belmont University.

The talented Dana Romanello opened the night on the Plaza Stage.

Related Links: For more information on RICKY SKAGGS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Ricky Skaggs | Springer Mountain Farms | Dana Romanello | Ricky Skaggs Is a Towering Musical Presence in Music City | Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder Celebrate the Past and Present of Bluegrass at the Ryman | Ryman Auditorium