Highlighting Our Arkansas Hometown Heroes at FreshGrass | Bentonville 2025
FreshGrass | Bentonville is just around the corner!
On May 16 and 17, 2025, the Momentary will feature a powerful roster of artists, including Lukas Nelson, Shakey Graves, Béla Fleck, Seun Kuti, and more, as well as local and regional vendors, instrument workshops, and just overall good family-friendly vibes.
Among those performing, Arkansas artists are well represented! From House of Songs to the FreshGrass Awards Band showcase to the locals stage on the Solar Roller, Arkansas artists will be all over this year’s FreshGrass | Bentonville festival. But more notably, we wanted to take this moment to shout out some of our featured artists with deep connections to Arkansas.
WAYLON WYATT
Hailing from Arkansas, Waylon Wyatt has rapidly emerged as a standout in the country music scene. Recently featured in a Rolling Stone feature titled “Waylon Wyatt Is Putting His Own Spin on Red Dirt — While Still in English Class,” this AR native is truly making waves in the scene. His soulful voice and authentic storytelling have captivated audiences nationwide, earning him recognition as a breakout star.
Waylon’s performance at FreshGrass | Bentonville is highly anticipated, promising to deliver heartfelt songs that resonate with the rich musical heritage of his home state.
WILLI CARLISLE
A native folksinger from Arkansas, Willi Carlisle returns to FreshGrass this year as the recipient of the 2025 FreshGrass Composition Commission. Known for his dynamic performances and deep-rooted storytelling, Willi will debut new music written specifically for this commission, adding to the festival’s tradition of showcasing innovative works.
His songs often reflect the cultural tapestry of Arkansas, making his performance a heartfelt homage to his origins. Willi is a true road dog, maintaining a nearly nonstop touring schedule and now opening for arena artists like Tyler Childers.
JESSE WELLES
Jesse Welles has blasted into global consciousness recently. First, he went viral for his tune “United,” then he was featured by The New York Times in “Jesse Welles, a Folk Musician Who ‘Sings the News,’ Is Turning the Page.” Jesse’s inclusion in the festival lineup underscores his growing influence in the roots music community.
Attendees can look forward to experiencing his unique artistry during the event.
ROSANNE CASH
Celebrated singer-songwriter and state royalty Rosanne Cash joins the festival accompanied by John Leventhal. Her appearance holds special significance, coinciding with The Prison Concerts: Folsom and San Quentin (Jim Marshall’s Photographs of Johnny Cash) exhibition on display at the Momentary. The exhibition features iconic photographs of her father, Johnny Cash, from his historic prison concerts in 1968 and 1969.
Rosanne’s performance is expected to be a poignant highlight, bridging her family’s musical legacy with the festival’s celebration of roots traditions.
FreshGrass | Bentonville 2025 promises a rich tapestry of performances, workshops, commissions, and collaborations that honor the diverse traditions of roots music. The inclusion of these Arkansas artists not only showcases the state’s vibrant musical talent but also reinforces the festival’s commitment to celebrating both established and emerging voices in the genre.
Ready to see some of these Arkansas stars live and in person? Get your tickets to FreshGrass | Bentonville today!