Four men that make up First Go 'Round, holding their instruments (banjo, mandolin, guitar, bass) posing in front of a ship-lap wall.

- Now Booking for 2026! -

- Now Booking for 2026! -

“Having been singing gospel music for over fifty years how well I remember our ‘first go around’. All we were concerned about was singing and lifting up Jesus. I believe First Go ‘Round is striving for the same goals: singing and playing and being a blessing to others.”

Paul Williams

IBMA Hall of Fame

Jimmy Martin and the

Sunny Mountain Boys

Victory Trio

IBMA Hall of Fame member Paul Williams holding a mandolin, standing inside a church with a stained glass window in the background.

Reagan Riddle

SGMA Hall of Fame

Primitive Quartet

Hominy Valley Legacy

Reagan Riddle of the Primitive Quartet and Hominy Valley Legacy playing an acoustic guitar outdoors, with a background of trees and greenery.

“First Go ‘Round is unique. Their music is Bluegrass Gospel. Their effort is sincere to lift up the Lord through song, be a blessing to the saved, and a witness to the lost.”

Upcoming Concerts

New Album Out Now!

We’re excited to share our latest project, available now on all major digital platforms. CD’s availalbe at

Hood Brother’s Automotive in Lunenburg, VA

Bringleton’s Coffee House in South Hill, VA

Or pick up yours at one of our upcoming concerts!

A black and white photo of a small wooden church with a steeple, surrounded by trees, with overlaid text advertising a gospel bluegrass album titled "Dry Bones Baptist Church" by First Go 'Round.

Meet the Band

Started in 2014, First Go 'Round is driven by a mission to share the love and message of Jesus Christ through gospel bluegrass music, deeply rooted in classic hymns and Southern gospel traditions. What began as a local endeavor has grown into a regional ministry, with the band now traveling from Pennsylvania to Georgia, captivating audiences with their authentic sound and message.

An award-winning quartet, First Go 'Round has shared stages with bluegrass and gospel luminaries such as Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, The Kevin Prater Band, and Chosen Road, as well as performing live, on-air from the historic Flatt and Scruggs studio at WSVS. From churches and festivals to concert stages, First Go 'Round brings a blend of traditional bluegrass instrumentation and soulful harmonies that resonate with fans of all ages. Their concerts are more than performances—they’re opportunities to inspire faith, foster fellowship, and celebrate the timeless truths of the gospel. As they continue to tour and expand their reach, First Go 'Round remains steadfast in their commitment to glorifying God through music that uplifts and unites.

The mandolin player and baritone singer, Rob Sadler posing with his mandolin.

Rob Sadler

The band's tenor singer and guitar player, Matthew Kelly posing with his guitar.

Matthew Kelly

The banjo player and lead singer, Brent Hood posing with his banjo.

Brent Hood

Bass extraordinaire Bryan Hood posing with his bass guitar.

Bryan Hood

Press Kit

Contact Us

Interested in booking? Let us know when and where!

The band's logo.