MP3 TAKES: Mountain Grass Unit’s Late-Night Blowout in Asheville Proves They’re Bluegrass’ Next Big Thing

In Asheville, late-night bluegrass isn’t just a bonus—it’s a tradition. Last Saturday night, that tradition reached a fever pitch as Mountain Grass Unit took over The Orange Peel for a way beyond sold-out show. Following Billy Strings’ fifth Asheville performance of his two-weekend residency, fans weren’t ready to call it a night. Instead, they spilled into the streets, forming a half-mile-long line outside the venue, all hoping to squeeze into what had quickly become the most in-demand afterparty in town.

The hype was real—and completely justified. Mountain Grass Unit isn’t just another bluegrass band; they’re bluegrass’s next big thing. With a level of musicianship and stage presence that far exceeds their years, this Alabama-bred quartet is pushing the boundaries of progressive string music while making it all look effortless. And yes, somehow, they’re all still in college.

From the jump, the energy inside The Orange Peel was through the roof. Drury Anderson (mandolin, vocals), Luke Black (guitar, vocals), Josiah Nelson (fiddle, vocals), and Sam Wilson (bass, vocals) wasted no time launching into a set that blurred the lines between breakneck picking and jam-fueled exploration. Their original “Cicada Song” buzzed with dynamic interplay, showcasing their near-telepathic chemistry.

The evening featured a bluegrass breakdown of “Funky Town” that had the entire crowd hooting, hollering, and singing along, a take on Widespread Panic’s “All Time Low” that channeled the swampy, Southern grit of the original while injecting it with fresh, youthful vigor. And, of course, no proper late-night pickin’ party is complete without some Grateful Dead, which the band delivered with a rousing rendition of “I Know You Rider.”

At one point, they took a detour to sing happy birthday to a lucky fan in the crowd, reminding everyone that even in a jam-packed, sold-out venue, Mountain Grass Unit knows how to make a show feel personal.

By the time the final notes rang out, the room was buzzing with the kind of post-show euphoria that only happens when a band delivers something truly special. Mountain Grass Unit didn’t just play a sold-out show—they cemented themselves as the next group of bluegrass innovators, proving they can hold their own among the genre’s greats. If their Orange Peel performance was any indication, it won’t be long before they’re the ones selling out multi-night runs in the biggest venues.