Ron Thomason, bluegrass artist and storyteller supreme, has announced that he is retiring after leading Dry Branch Fire Squad for 50 years. The celebrated mandolinist, banjo player, guitarist, and vocalist, now 81 years of age, will perform his final shows at the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in Oak Hill, NY in July.
As much a humorist as a musician, Thomas has thrilled audiences all over the world with both skills, not to mention his humble approach to entertaining. His skills also include those of an educator, teaching math and English for three decades, and as a trainer of fine Arabian horses. All of these aspects of his life would find their way into the anecdotes Ron weaves into all his live sets.
The choice to end it all at Grey Fox isn’t a coincidence. Thomason has been on the bill for most all of them since the festival launched in 1985, known at that time as Winterhawk.
Mary Tyler Daub, founder of Grey Fox, says that he is as much a part of the festival as its name.
“Very few people become part of a festival’s identity. Ron Thomason is one of them. For decades, his music, wit, and friendship have helped define Grey Fox. I’m so grateful to have shared this journey together, and I hope everyone joins us in celebrating this remarkable man.”
With all this in mind, the festival will be offering some special Ron-related events during Grey Fox 2026, July 15-19.
- Thursday: Dry Branch Fire Squad welcome set
- Friday: “Life on the Road with Ron Thomason” — stories, memories, and conversation with Ron, his bandmates, and special guests, hosted by Brad Kolodner
- Saturday: Hambone Workshop and Dry Branch Fire Squad performance
- Sunday: Dry Branch Fire Squad gospel set and farewell
Also appearing will be top acts like Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue, the Del McCoury Band, The Infamous Stringdusters, The SteelDrivers, the Darrell Scott String Band featuring Rob Ickes, Della Mae, The Brothers Comatose, Amy Helm, and East Nash Grass.
Full details and ticket information can be found online.
