Pickin’, Singin’ and Gamblin’: Billy Strings Reveals New Year’s Eve Theme During Memphis Run

Billy Strings has revealed the theme for his impending New Year’s run, slated for Dec. 29, 30, and 31 at the UNO Lakefront Arena in New Orleans. As previously announced, the beloved bluegrass musician and his band will perform three nights of music leading to the onset of 2025. According to Strings, he will lean into a “3 nights of pickin’, singin’, and gamblin’” theme during the occasion. 

In addition to the occasion’s thematic approach, Strings added a charitable edge, writing to fans and followers on social media, “Get lucky with games of chance, table games, and more. Every bet placed supports local charities.” The artist also notified fans of a “song submission sweepstakes,” in which folks can submit and vote for their favorite tracks in the hopes of concert inclusion.

Beyond the musician’s New Year’s Eve theme, Strings performed his first concerts after his late-night televised debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, arriving for two consecutive concerts at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn. During night one, the namesake and his band dusted off Bill Monroe’s “Shenandoah Breakdown” for the first time since Nov. 15, 2023, ending a 62-show gap, according to billybase.com.

Strings stepped out solo for “Be Your Man” and “Dust in a Baggie ” during the onset of the following night. Jarrod Walker joined him for a duo take on “Thirst Mutilator.” Stage present expanded on the following number, with Alex Hargreaves making it a trio for “Sleep Baby Sleep,” which was preluded by stories of Strings’ childhood and another on driving his son home from the hospital and singing the tune to his own boy. 

The tender moment gave way to specialty moments like a slowed-down and funky rendition of “Ernest T. Grass.” The second set yielded a pair of debuts, including the traditional Doc Wason arrangement “St. James Hospital” and a take on Pink Floyd’s “Fearless.” 

For the latest tour news and to procure tickets, visit www.billystrings.com.