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Sierra Hull’s Bluegrass Brilliance Steals the Show at Railbird Festival 2025

By Larry Philpot on June 17, 2025

The afternoon sun bathed Lexington’s Red Mile in golden light on May 31, 2025, as Sierra Hull hit the Elkhorn Stage. Her 2:30 p.m. set at the Railbird Festival was a masterclass in bluegrass virtuosity, blending technical skill with raw emotion. Consequently, the crowd, now filling the infield, stood captivated by her mandolin wizardry. For 45 minutes, Hull, a Tennessee native, wove stories of love and loss, cementing her as a festival standout.

File Photo: Sierra Hull and her band perform in Lexington Kentucky at the Railbird Festival on May 31, 2025. (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

Her performance was a whirlwind of precision and heart. For instance, she opened with “Black River,” its driving rhythm hooking fans instantly. Meanwhile, her vocals, clear and soulful, cut through the warm air. Her band—tight and polished—kept pace, with Ethan Jodziewicz’s bass anchoring her intricate mandolin runs. Moreover, her take on “25 Trips” had the crowd swaying, its introspective lyrics hitting home. By the time she closed with “Wings of the Dawn,” cheers erupted, a testament to her command of the stage.

From Child Prodigy to Bluegrass Star

Sierra Dawn Hull, born September 27, 1991, in Byrdstown, Tennessee, grew up steeped in bluegrass. Her love for music sparked early, at age eight, when she first picked up a mandolin, inspired by her father’s guitar playing. By 10, she was performing at local festivals, her tiny hands flying across the strings. Consequently, her talent caught the eye of Alison Krauss, who mentored her as a teen. Hull’s early gigs with local bands shaped her, but her big break came at 11, playing the Grand Ole Opry.

She signed with Rounder Records at 13, releasing her debut album, Secrets, in 2008. Since then, she’s blended traditional bluegrass with progressive sounds, earning praise for her innovative approach. For example, her 2020 album 25 Trips showcased her growth as a songwriter and vocalist. Now based in Nashville, Hull remains a leading voice in bluegrass, balancing festival stages with studio work.

Bands and Bandmates

Hull has primarily performed under her own name, leading her own band rather than joining others. Her current touring lineup, often called the Sierra Hull Band, includes:

Sierra Hull – mandolin, vocals, guitar
Ethan Jodziewicz – upright bass
Justin Moses – banjo, fiddle, vocals (occasional member)

She’s also collaborated with artists like the Infamous Stringdusters and Béla Fleck, sharing stages at festivals like Telluride Bluegrass. Meanwhile, her work with Krauss’s Union Station as a teen was a formative chapter, though not a formal band membership. As for relationships, Hull keeps her personal life private, with no major news linking her romantically to other artists. However, her professional ties to Krauss and Rhiannon Giddens have drawn attention for their mutual respect.

Television, Film, and Awards

Hull’s media presence reflects her focus on music over flash. She’s appeared on PBS’s Bluegrass Underground, performing in Tennessee’s Cumberland Caverns. Additionally, her music featured in the 2017 film The Mountain Minor, a nod to Appalachian roots. For awards, she’s a heavyweight in bluegrass. She won the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Mandolin Player of the Year in 2016, 2017, and 2018, a rare three-peat. Moreover, she earned IBMA’s Emerging Artist of the Year in 2010. In 2017, she became the first woman nominated for a Grammy in Best Folk Album for Weighted Mind. While she hasn’t been inducted into any halls of fame, her influence at 33 suggests it’s only a matter of time.

Biggest Songs

Hull’s songs resonate more with festival crowds and streaming platforms than mainstream radio, but a few stand out:

“Black River” – Written by Sierra Hull, this 2008 track from Secrets became a bluegrass staple, loved for its fiery mandolin.
“25 Trips” – Penned by Hull and Jon Weisberger, this 2020 title track gained traction for its introspective storytelling, amassing millions of streams.
“Wings of the Dawn” – Written by Hull, this 2016 song from Weighted Mind is a fan favorite for its haunting melody.

Controversies

Hull has largely avoided scandal, keeping her career focused on craft. However, in 2019, she faced mild criticism when she spoke out about the lack of women in bluegrass leadership roles. Some traditionalists felt she was “stirring the pot,” but she stood firm, emphasizing inclusion. Consequently, the debate fizzled quickly, with most fans supporting her stance. Otherwise, her clean image and dedication to music keep her out of tabloid territory, a rarity in today’s music scene.

The Railbird Spotlight

At Railbird, Hull owned the Elkhorn Stage. Her set felt like a conversation between her mandolin and the crowd. For instance, “Black River” showcased her technical chops, fingers blurring across the strings. Meanwhile, her banter was warm, sharing a quick story about her first Opry performance as a kid. The crowd, a mix of bluegrass purists and festival newcomers, hung on every note, snapping photos of her in action.

Her band was a perfect complement, with Jodziewicz’s bass providing a steady pulse. Moreover, their interplay during “25 Trips” felt effortless, like old friends jamming. The stage setup was simple—mandolin, bass, and occasional banjo—but it didn’t need more. As a result, Hull’s voice and strings filled the space, drawing cheers after every solo. During “Wings of the Dawn,” she slowed things down, her vocals carrying a quiet ache that hushed the crowd.

Yet, the set wasn’t flawless. A brief mic feedback issue mid-song caused a pause, but Hull laughed it off, joking about “Kentucky gremlins.” Additionally, the afternoon slot meant some fans were still grabbing food, missing the opening. Nevertheless, those present were all in, clapping along to her upbeat numbers and swaying to the slower ones. By the end, the Elkhorn Stage was packed, with fans buzzing about her skill.

Hull’s Railbird performance was a highlight of Day 1, blending tradition with a modern edge. For example, her cover of “I’ll Fly Away” nodded to bluegrass roots while feeling fresh. Meanwhile, her storytelling between songs—about Tennessee hills and late-night jams—connected deeply with the Kentucky crowd. Consequently, her set felt like a homecoming, even for those meeting her music for the first time.

As she left the stage, fans lingered, swapping stories about her mandolin magic and hunting for merch. Her performance was a reminder of why Railbird celebrates bluegrass at its core. Hull didn’t need flash; her talent spoke loudest. As a result, she set a high bar for the festival, leaving the crowd eager for more. Her final notes drifted over the infield, a sweet echo of Tennessee soul in Kentucky’s heart.