Tray Wellington Band is redefining what modern bluegrass can be — blending tradition with fearless exploration and a sound that stretches far beyond the boundaries of genre. Led by 2024 Steve Martin Banjo Prize Winner Tray Wellington, the group crafts intricate, through-composed acoustic music that’s as intentional as it is free-flowing, combining bluegrass, jazz, funk, and jam-inspired improvisation into something distinctly their own.

Their live shows move fluidly from hard-driving originals to transcendent covers, like their crowd-favorite version of Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” while maintaining a deep sense of groove and emotion. Each set feels spontaneous yet composed, inviting listeners into a dynamic musical conversation that evolves from night to night.

Wellington’s acclaimed albums – Black Banjo, Detour to the Moon, and Spatial Awareness chart his growth as an artist reshaping the voice of the banjo. While his band may appear as a traditional bluegrass ensemble, what unfolds on stage is something expansive and exciting for the audience.

With performances that bridge bluegrass festivals, and genre-defying stages, Tray Wellington Band continues to build a new chapter in acoustic music one that celebrates curiosity, connection, and the power of music.

Heart on the Table is the new band and creative vision from acclaimed banjo innovator Tray Wellington – a bold fusion of folk, hip hop, and jazz that’s redefining what modern roots music can sound like.

Formed around the creation of Wellington’s third studio album of the same name, Heart on the Table which together an all-star collective of boundary-pushing musicians: Tray Wellington (banjo, vocals, guitar), John Mailander (fiddle, guitar), Josh Blaylock (keys), Royal Masat (bass), and Brandon Combs (drums), with featured guests Kaia Kater, Lizzie No, Sierra Hull, Demeanor, Elora Dash, and AG Sully.

Co-produced by Wellington and Mailander (Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, John Mailander’s Forecast), the project represents a fearless step forward for Wellington, the 2024 Steve Martin Banjo Prize winner, as he blurs the lines between storytelling traditions and contemporary rhythm.

“People often look at Hip Hop as a genre that’s ‘bad for people’ and encourages ‘violence,’” says Wellington. “I’m here to challenge those beliefs. Folk is a genre built on storytelling, so is Hip Hop. There are bad messages in all music, but I want to spread awareness that Hip Hop is folk music, and use this band to share messages of hope and connection.”

At its core, Heart on the Table is an unflinching reflection of Wellington’s own journey, confronting themes of addiction, race, and mental health while celebrating resilience, growth, and artistic freedom. The music moves seamlessly between groove-driven jams, lyrical confessionals, and fearless improvisation, offering listeners a raw and uplifting window into one of the most exciting new sounds in American roots music.

“This album was deeply therapeutic for me,” says Wellington. “It helped me get a lot of emotions out and pushed me not just as an artist but as a person. From the first tracking day, I felt like this was something special — and now I’m ready to share that energy live, with this incredible band.”