Syracuse-native and GRAMMY-nominated banjo player Tony Trischka continues to carry bluegrass into the modern era. His new album, Earl Jam 2, arrives March 13, bringing the genre’s traditional roots to the present.
Following the success of his acclaimed album Earl Jam, banjo master Tony Trischka expands upon his mission to demonstrate the banjo’s limitless possibilities in the contemporary world. For six decades, the artist has evolved, creating a space where bluegrass tradition and modern progress meet. Rather leaving the genre frozen in time, he has brought unheard recordings of Earl Scruggs and John Hartford to life while allowing new generations of musicians to illuminate the genre’s future.
The album’s defining quality lies in its deep respect for bluegrass heritage, the album functions as a living conversation with Earl Scruggs. By painstakingly transcribing Scruggs’ banjo solos note for note, Scruggs spirit perseveres through recreations that capture the music’s original magic.
Earl Jam 2 features fifteen newly recorded performances that span bluegrass standards, deep-cut fiddle tunes, and enduring American songs. Acting as a living archive, the project brings together collaborations with Billy Strings, Del and Ronnie McCoury, Molly Tuttle, Sierra Ferrell, Sam Bush, Sister Sadie, the SteelDrivers, the Gibson Brothers, Dudley Connell, Bruce Molsky, and Farayi Malek. The current single, John Hartford’s “Gentle On My Mind,” featuring Billy Strings, gives the classic song renewed warmth and vitality.
The song is accompanied by a music video (directed by Trischka’s son, musician Sean Trischka) that features exclusive footage from the Nashville recording sessions, giving a glimpse into the creative process behind the album.
Through collaboration and creative openness, the Tony Trischka ensures that bluegrass history will continue to resonate with generations to come. To take tradition and translate it for modern listeners takes imagination as much as preservation, a balance Trischka inhabits with ease.
Trischka will be on tour throughout 2026. A full list of confirmed shows is below, and more dates will be announced in the coming weeks. To learn more about Tony Trischka’s work and upcoming shows, go to his official website.
Tony Trischka Tour Dates
March
- 12 – Symphony Space – New York, NY
- 13 – Grand Opera House – Wilmington, DE
- 14 – The State Theatre – State College, PA
- 18 – Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA
- 19 – Symphony Space – New York, NY
- 21 – West Falls Center for the Arts – West Falls, NY
- 26 – Symphony Space – New York, NY
April
- 18 – Belleville Roots Music Series – Newburyport, MA
- 25 – McConnell Arts Center – Columbus, OH
- 26 – City Winery – Pittsburgh, PA
May
- 23 – The Freight – Berkeley, CA
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