Since 2020, Lucas Ross has served as the official banjo track provider for Kermit the Frog and an original songwriter for Disney’s The Muppets Studio. His work encompasses professional Muppet productions, national media appearances, and significant contributions to preserving the Jim Henson legacy through educational initiatives and museum curation.
Official Work with The Muppets Studio (Disney)
- Primary Banjoist: Provides the official, behind-the-scenes banjo music for Kermit the Frog in various official productions.
- Original Compositions: Writes original music and songs for Muppets projects.
- National Media Appearances:
- Featured on the 2023 Schoolhouse Rock! 50th Anniversary Singalong.
- Provided the banjo track for Kermit’s serenade to Hoda Kotb on NBC in January 2025.
- Provided banjo track for Kermit’s Kermencement Speech for University of Maryland’s 2025 commencement ceremony.
- Commercial Work: Wrote and performed the original song “Kermit Day” for 2023 Oris Watches commercial.
- Stage Productions: Provided instrumentals and original songs for Two Guys and a Few Muppets written by and staring Matt Vogel and Eric Jacobson late 2025. His music was featured in the Broadway show Rob Lake Magic with Special Guests The Muppets, which ran in briefly in 2026.
- Live Performances:
- Performed live with Kermit the Frog and Willie Nelson at the 2024 Luck Reunion festival.
- Performed at the University of Maryland for a Jim Henson celebration. This event featured Muppet performer Matt Vogel and Kermit in an interview, with Lucas appearing as himself on stage to perform “Being Green” and “Rainbow Connection“.
- Web Videos: Provided the banjo music for the 2020 web video of Kermit the Frog singing “Rainbow Connection” and “Movin’ Right Along” with Fozzie in 2021.
- Licensed Muppet Merchandise (2025–Present) – Banjo Musician
- Performed banjo for the audio featured in Hallmark’s Kermit the Frog Musical Ornament.
- Provided banjo performance for RP Minis’ Kermit the Frog Singing Figurine collectible.
- The Muppet Show (2026):
- Banjo Musician & On-Screen Performer
- Provided banjo performances for the 2026 revival special of The Muppet Show.
- Recorded banjo music featured in Sabrina Carpenter’s duet with Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.
Appeared on-screen as a member of The Muppet Show audience. - Collaborated with The Muppets Studio, Disney Branded Television, and 20th Television.
- Guest appearances by Seth Rogen and Maya Rudolph.
- Premiered on ABC and Disney+ on February 4, 2026.
Ross’s connection to the Jim Henson legacy is strengthened through his direct work with Jim Henson’s daughter, Heather Henson, and significant contributions to The Jim Henson Company and related fan events.
- Museum Curation & Exhibit: Ross helped with the connection of Heather and the American Banjo Museum and Jim Henson’s induction into their Hall of Fame in 2018. He works as the museum’s Community Outreach Coordinator to manage the exhibit featuring the original pieces from Walt Disney Archives and Heather Henson/The Jim Henson Legacy.
- “Banjo Roots” Program: Developed the “Banjo Roots” educational program at the museum, which features a video presentation he co-hosts with Kermit the Frog, promoting the history and appreciation of the instrument.
- The Muppet Script: Featured banjo musician and character performer for The Muppet Script charity concert series, appearing in productions including The Muppets Take Scripthattan (October 24, 2025, The Bell House, Brooklyn, New York), The Muppet Script, The Muppet Scriptmas Carol, and Muppet Treasure Scriptland at Dynasty Typewriter, in Los Angeles, California. The productions were presented as live stage readings and livestream events benefiting organizations California wildfire relief efforts. Performed alongside an all-star cast of notable entertainers including Paul F. Tompkins, Marc Evan Jackson, David Dastmalchian, James Monroe Iglehart, Rachel Bloom, Kelly Marie Tran, Brennan Lee Mulligan, John Hodgman, Nina West, Bobby Moynihan, Janet Varney, Erika Ishii, Griffin Newman, Aabria Iyengar, James Urbaniak, and even featured an appearance by Paul Williams, and Muppet creatives, Leslie Carrara Rudolph and Kirk Thatcher, helping raise funds for multiple charitable causes through live performance and music.
- Henson Day Celebrations: Participated in official Jim Henson birthday celebrations, including serenading fans on a walking tour of Manhattan with Heather Henson 2023-present.
- Tough Pigs Documentary Host: Hosted the documentary “The Great Muppet Mural” about an art project celebrating various Henson creations on the Muppet fan site ToughPigs.
- Consultation: Collaborates with Heather Henson and Craig Shemin of the Jim Henson Legacy on projects that bridge the original legacy with new fan engagement and initiatives.