From classical violin to fiddle tunes, young local musicians The Bluegrass Babes are finding their own place in western Nebraska’s growing bluegrass scene
While the Beef, Beans and Bluegrass Festival places local agricultural industries at its forefront, there’s no denying its twin role in expanding local access to live bluegrass, folk and Americana music in western Nebraska. The festival’s third iteration featured, among other live acts, a local bluegrass band composed partly of high school students excited about practicing and sharing fiddle and folk music with their community.
Addison Weinreis plays the upright bass in the Bluegrass Babes band during the Beef, Beans and Bluegrass Festival on Aug. 22.
The Bluegrass Babes' three fiddle players, including local orchestra teacher Ashley Hillman (right), perform during the Beef, Beans and Bluegrass Festival on Aug. 22.
Jay Anderson plays the mandolin in the Bluegrass Babes band during the Beef, Beans and Bluegrass Festival on August 22, 2026.
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
A crowd gathers in Scottsbluff's 18th St. Plaza to watch the Bluegrass Babes' performance during the Beef, Beans and Bluegrass Festival on August 22, 2026.
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
Addison Weinreis plays the upright bass in the Bluegrass Babes band during the Beef, Beans and Bluegrass Festival on August 22, 2026.
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
Jaxon Hill-Frederick plays the mandolin in the Bluegrass Babes band during the Beef, Beans and Bluegrass Festival on August 22, 2026.
Grace Ptak, Star-Herald
The Bluegrass Babes' three fiddle players, including local orchestra teacher Ashley Hillman (right), perform during the Beef, Beans and Bluegrass Festival on August 22, 2026.
The Bluegrass Babes' three fiddle players, including local orchestra teacher Ashley Hillman (right), perform during the Beef, Beans and Bluegrass Festival on Aug. 22.
