The 36th annual International Bluegrass Music Association Awards show felt a little different this go-round. Sure, the annual gathering of the genre overtook Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the first time this past week. But the bigger story was Billy Strings , who was in attendance to receive Entertainer of the Year honors.

“It just feels good to be back here and to be welcomed,” Strings tells Rolling Stone backstage. “And to also let these folks know that I’m still here with them. I haven’t abandoned bluegrass. I very much am still wanting to be here.”

A multifaceted guitar wizard who has singlehandedly brought bluegrass to the arena level, the singer-songwriter took home his fourth Entertainer win. Held at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium, the award show was hosted by the

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