Bluegrass virtuoso Billy Strings and his band recently performed a Tiny Desk Concert Fundraiser for NPR Music, delivering a show that brought back the spirit of the series’ early days. Recorded on December 10, 2025, Strings was so keen on capturing the authentic sound of his music that he requested fewer microphones, aiming for, in his own words, “the way these instruments are meant to sound.” Strings noted the unique atmosphere of the venue, saying, “I’ve seen so many amazing performances that happened right here and I kind of believe that love and spirit kind of soaks into this environment, so just standing here feels like a special thing.”
Strings, who found his roots in bluegrass from his father, has successfully expanded the genre to new audiences, accumulating a huge following of super fans who affectionately call themselves “billy goats.” The performance captures the essence of Strings: a humble musician and a “sorcerer of his craft,” wielding his guitar as if it were an extension of himself. The band for the performance included Alex Hargreaves on fiddle, Billy Failing on banjo and background vocals, Royal Masat on bass and background vocals, and Jarrod Walker on mandolin and background vocals.
The four-song set list featured tracks from his growing catalog, including “Red Daisy,” “My Alice,” “Malfunction Junction,” and “Gild the Lily.” This concert showcases the technical mastery and emotional depth that has made Billy Strings one of the most exciting and in-demand performers in contemporary music.