Wyatt Ellis Credit: Courtesy

In the world of traditional bluegrass, the word “young” is very relative. In Wyatt Ellis’ case, we’re not talking about someone in their 20s or 30s playing old-time music.

This is a kid who just got his driver’s license. Most teens his age barely have knowledge of bluegrass music, much less a mastery of it. But having debuted at the Grand Ole Opry as a guest at age 13 and then a featured performer at 14, this Tennessee mandolin wunderkind is no ordinary artist.

As a sterling convergence of deep tradition and youthful vim, Ellis is one of the brightest, most gifted new stars in roots music right now.

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, Tuffy’s Music Box, tuffysmusicbox.com, $20-$25.

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This article appears in Jan. 14-20, 2026.

Music columnist.