About Lydia

Lydia Hamby is a passionate and accomplished bluegrass musician, known for her captivating voice and tasteful mandolin playing. Her journey in the world of bluegrass music is a testament to her dedication and love for this uniquely American art form.

Lydia's musical journey began at the age of four when she began taking piano lessons. She continued to develop her skills as a musician through playing and singing at her church all throughout middle and high school. She truly fell in love with her craft and the bluegrass community when she began pursuing an undergraduate minor in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots music at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). During her time at ETSU, she had the privilege of learning from some of the finest bluegrass musicians and educators in the field, including Mike Compton, Tim Stafford, Dan Boner, Troy Boone, and others, while also playing in the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band for two years. Their mentorship helped shape her into the musician she is today. In addition to her academic and mentorship experiences, Lydia's talents have led her to share the stage with bluegrass luminaries such as Becky Buller and Rhonda Vincent. These collaborations have provided her with invaluable experiences, contributing to her growth as a performer and member of the bluegrass community.

Lydia is not only a talented instrumentalist, but also a burgeoning songwriter. Her talent extends to crafting original bluegrass compositions that honor the genre's traditions while infusing a fresh, contemporary perspective. She looks forward to sharing some of her originals with you whenever she gets the chance!

Currently, Lydia is furthering her knowledge of the rich Appalachian cultural heritage by pursuing a master's degree in Appalachian Studies. Her academic pursuits are closely intertwined with her musical career, as she continues to create and perform with her band where her original compositions and performances with esteemed musicians continue to captivate audiences.

With her deep-rooted love for bluegrass, her mentorship’s and academic endeavors, and her commitment to performing, Lydia Hamby is an emerging force in the world of bluegrass. Her engaging musicianship, songwriting skills, and collaborations with industry legends make her a name to watch in the bluegrass scene.