University Bluegrass Ensemble
Bluegrass and old-time string band music have a strong foundation and enduring legacy at W&L thanks to the efforts of former Bluegrass Ensemble directors Nate Leath and Burr Datz. They built upon the work of legendary W&L Professor Emeritus of Geology Odell McGuire, who, together with his wife, Mata, helped cultivate a vibrant and widely celebrated old-time music scene in the 1970s that is still remembered in music circles today.
Bluegrass music also has deep roots in Lexington and Rockbridge County. The Bluegrass Ensemble offers an excellent opportunity to introduce W&L students and the broader community to the rich musical traditions our region has to offer.
After being on hiatus since 2019, the ensemble was reestablished in Fall 2025. While the group features classic bluegrass standards and jam favorites, it also explores contemporary songs. The Bluegrass Ensemble is welcoming and inclusive, open to all musicians and vocalists, regardless of prior musical experience.
We hope this music and art form will continue to inspire new generations of students, who will carry this tradition forward wherever their paths may lead!
"I chose to join because I’ve heard bluegrass music here and there after coming to the states for college and I know W&L is located in the Appalachian region where bluegrass originated, so it’s fun to think about playing the music in a place where it was born."
Bill Zheng ’26 and members of the Bluegrass EnsembleBill Zheng ’26
