Red Camel Collective on the Grand Ole Opry (2/27/26) – photo © Laci Mack
On February 27, fast-rising bluegrass group Red Camel Collective had their soaring status validated with a debut performance on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Most dedicated bluegrass lovers recognize the Camels as Junior Sisk’s touring band, with Heather Berry Mabe on guitar and lead vocals, Tony Mabe on banjo, Johnathan Dillon on mandolin, and Curt Love on bass. With Junior contemplating retirement from the road, the four decided to start making plans for going it alone. And so we have Red Camel Collective, who were recognized by the IBMA in 2025 the New Artist of the Year, while still serving as Junior’s band.
Heather tells us that it was a wonderful experience for them all.
“We are so incredibly grateful and humbled to have had the opportunity to play the Grand Ole Opry! Words can’t express our gratitude to our friends, family, and fans for their love and support, and to the Opry for having us and making us feel so at home!
Special thanks to our buddy Stephen Burwell for sitting in with us on fiddle! There’s no one we would have rather shared the Opry stage with!”
The band brought noted bluegrass photographer Laci Mack along to capture the Opry debut, and she put together this video snapshot of their big day.
They played Roll On Mississippi and Daughter of the Stars from their debut album with Pinecastle Records, plus their current single, Finding Your Way Home. And as always happens when bluegrass acts play the Opry, the Collective received a raucous standing ovation at the end of their set.
Many congratulations to Red Camel Collective for their initial Opry performance. Hope to see them back there soon!
Here are some more of Mack’s photos from the 27th.
