Though rooted in bluegrass, Nickel Creek built a reputation as one of the most adventurous and eclectic groups in progressive acoustic music. Comprised of siblings Sean (guitar) and Sara Watkins (fiddle) and mandolinist Chris Thile, the trio cut their teeth on the 1990s festival circuit before Sugar Hill issued their 2000 debut. Nickel Creek's virtuosic playing and three-part harmonies touched on everything from jazz to alternative music, and during their initial run, they continued to move away from bluegrass's core to be rewarded with crossover success, a Grammy Award, and critical praise. After going on hiatus in the late 2000s, each member continued to flourish through solo albums and projects like Punch Brothers, Fiction Family, and I'm with Her, though they reunited in 2014 and maintained a sporadic performing schedule together heading into the next decade. In 2023, following a nine-year gap, Nickel Creek released their fifth album, Celebrants.