A powerhouse trio encompassing old-time and bluegrass. Tony Trischka is called “the great banjo liberationist” by NPR. Bruce Molsky is one of the most revered “multi-hyphenated career” ambassadors for America’s old-time mountain music. Guitarist and singer Michael Daves’ unorthodox roots music has made him a leading light of the New York City bluegrass scene.

Tony Trischka

Tony Trischka fell in love with the banjo by way of the Kingston Trio, and in 1970s New York City he settled in among a peer group of extraordinary musicians who saw American roots music as a thriving, living language that could be expanded and combined with other influences and sensibilities. Jaw‑dropping musicianship was certainly encouraged in that group, as was comic and literary irreverence, earnest songwriting and a record shop’s worth of touchstones beyond bluegrass, from the avant-garde to fusion and R&B. Through a long career in many aspects of the music biz, he's taken the banjo to places it never dreamed of going.

Bruce Molsky

Grammy-nominated, described as “an absolute master” (No Depression), Bruce Molsky transports audiences to another time and place, with his authentic and personal interpretations of rarities from the Southern Appalachian songbook and other musical traditions from around the globe. Best known for his work on the fiddle, Bruce’s banjo, guitar and his distinctive, powerful vocals also resonate with listeners. His combination of technical virtuosity and relaxed conversational wit makes a concert hall feel like an intimate front porch gathering. Bruce holds the title of “Visiting Scholar in the American Roots Music Program” at Berklee College of Music, where he is the go-to guy for the next generation of roots musicians.

Michael Daves

As a little boy, Michael Daves began making loud noises, so his loving parents put music instruments in front of him. It was a good plan. He grew up in that grand tradition of staying up late & singing real loud. Heralded as “a leading light of the New York bluegrass scene” by the New York Times, Daves often takes a raw, experimental, jazzed‑up approach to traditional tunes. He has garnered attention for his work with Tony Trischka, Steve Martin, and Rosanne Cash, and his "rip-roaring partnership" with mandolinist Chris Thile (Punch Brothers, Nickel Creek) earned the pair a 2011 Grammy nomination. New York Times enthuses: "Bluegrass, in their hands, gets roughed up in the best possible way, with skill and fervor, and a touch of abandon."