Spring Concert: Blue Ridge Gathering

Spring Concert: Blue Ridge Gathering

March 21, 2025

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH PARISH HALL — 37497 ZACH FOWLER RD, CHAPTICO, MD

Doors Open at 7 PM; Concert Begins at 7:30 pm

$15 SMTMD members; $20 Non-members.

Advance ticket sales are available on TicketLeap (click the button above). You may also purchase at the door with cash, check, Zelle, or Venmo.

Refreshments will be made available. 

SMTMD is a 501 (c)(3)  organization.

This concert was made possible in part by a grant from the St. Mary’s County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council. 

Photo credit: Sarah Musgrave and Jessica Watson

Blue Ridge Gathering (BRG) is a Knoxville based neo-traditional old time trio. Cody Bauer, Jessica Watson and Duck Ryan combine traditional old time music with elements of bluegrass, Celtic, and folk music along with an energetic and engaging stage presence. Their repertoire includes original songs and tunes as well as covers of artists such as Reeltime Travelers, Gillian Welch and Joe Troop and a wealth of old time fiddle tunes. With a unique ability to fill sonic space with only three instruments and their fun and exciting stage presence, any Blue Ridge Gathering show is certain to be a memorable experience.

Band Members

Cody Bauer

Photo credit: Sarah Musgrave

Cody was first inspired to play the fiddle by his grandfather, Tom Smith. Many of his cousins started learning traditional instruments around the same time and they had a lot of fun jamming at family gatherings and at music festivals in their home state of Indiana. In 2015, Cody was proud to carry the family tradition of fiddling all the way to Nashville where he had the honor of playing with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mt Boys at Stanley’s last show at the Grand Ole Opry.

Cody has garnered a number of 1st place wins at fiddle contests throughout central Appalachia. He has toured internationally in places such as Ireland, Canada and Belize and with various bands has placed 1st in several band contests including: SPBGMA Bluegrass Band Contest, Rocky Grass, Clifftop Neo-Trad, and the Galax Fiddlers’ Convention. 

Cody currently works for a wonderful non-profit called Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) which provides out of school traditional music opportunities for students in rural Appalachia. Bauer studied under some wonderful teachers notably Louie Popejoy, Andy Burton, Chad Manning and acclaimed fiddler Hunter Berry. He has taught a number of students in person and online over the years. Cody holds a B.S. in Education and an M.A. in Religion.

Jessica Watson

Photo credit: Sarah Musgrave

Jessica grew up in a small southern baptist church, where she first developed a love of singing and being surrounded by voices in harmony. After picking up the guitar at a young age, she began learning songs by artists like Patty Griffin, Dolly Parton, and Alison Krauss, and eventually writing her own songs. When her musical journey led her to Middle Tennessee State University, she was introduced to the clawhammer banjo, and the beauty of old-time music. This genre, among others, strongly influences Jessica’s playing and writing to date.

Jessica Watson can be seen playing and singing with several Knoxville based bands, including Blue Ridge Gathering, Red Shoes & Rosin, Legbeard, and Count This Penny. Jessica’s contributions to Blue Ridge Gathering include songwriting, lead and harmony vocals, banjo and guitar, and helping book for the band. She is also involved in the larger Knoxville old-time, Jazz, and singer-songwriter communities in Knoxville. Outside of music Jessica enjoys participating in outdoor activities and reading.

Duck Ryan

Photo credit: Sarah Musgrave

Duck Ryan began playing bluegrass banjo in college when they joined the Pellissippi State Community College bluegrass program. Duck’s interest in various genres and styles comes through in their eclectic and thoughtful songwriting and energetic stage presence. Duck’s role within Blue Ridge Gathering includes songwriting, banjo and guitar, lead and harmony vocals and social media and community outreach. Outside of BRG Duck can be seen collaborating with other Knoxville musicians and artists creating a more vibrant and supportive community.

Contact Info: 

Duck Ryan

C: 865-293-2874

BlueRidgeGatheringBand@gmail.com