Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Preserving Our Unique History and Rich Culture
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From Norway to the Smokies — Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra
October 26 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Southern Appalachia introduced Bluegrass to the world almost a century ago. Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra is bringing it back this Fall. From Norway to the Smokies — celebrate autumn in the mountains with the true-to-its-roots sound of Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra!
This talented and energetic ensemble is coming to the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee during their 2025 U.S. Tour. Join us for a unique concert in our 400-seat covered amphitheater surrounded by mountains and fall foliage.
Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra is a seven-piece acoustic band from Oslo, Norway, that has captured hearts in both Norway and the US with its unique blend of bluegrass and Nordic folk that delivers a fresh take on American roots music wrapped in a finely tuned folk sound. Fronted by Rebekka Nilsson – winner of the 2022 IBMA Momentum “Vocalist of the Year” award – Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra combines original songs, classic tunes, and timeless covers into an energetic and soulful repertoire.
Highlights
- Billboard Chart Success: Debut album Migrants (2021) debuted at #4 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums chart and stayed for 11 weeks. Follow-up live album The Broken Circle Sessions (2023) reached #9 on the Bluegrass chart.
- Awards: Migrants was nominated for Norway’s Spellemannprisen (Grammy) 2021 and was nominated “Band of the Year” in 2022 and 2023.
- Online Popularity: The band has amassed over 18 million views on YouTube, including a viral performance of “Wayfaring Stranger” (nearly 10 million plays).
- International Acclaim: Hayde was an official showcase artist at the IBMA World of Bluegrass (2022, 2024) and at Folk Alliance International 2022. In 2021 they were invited for a three-week engagement at Dollywood in Tennessee, and even booked to perform on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville – opportunities unfortunately derailed by COVID.
- New Music: In fall 2025 they embark on a three-week US tour with copies of their upcoming 2026 album – available here before anywhere else! With an expanding international fanbase, audiences at upcoming shows may be treated to exclusive premieres of brand-new songs!
Listen & Watch
- Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra – Wayfaring Stranger | Live at John Dee
- Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra – Back Home to Harlan / Heaven and Hell / Smokey Mountain Railway | Live
- Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra – All My Tears | Live at Riksscenen
Hear more: Both albums Migrants (2021) and The Broken Circle Sessions (2023) – as well as numerous singles – are available on SPOTIFY and all streaming platforms.
