Greensky Bluegrass

Performing at festivals, theaters, clubs and listening rooms all over the US, their rare traditional sound is piquing the interests of not only bluegrass enthusiasts, but lovers of music of all genres. It is their unique "fusion of tradition and enthusiasm for improvisation" that has come to define the band's creative and tangible compositional style.

Formed in the fall of 2000 by Michael Arlen Bont (banjo), Dave Bruzza (guitar), and Paul Hoffman (mandolin), Greensky has undergone a musical evolution as unique as the music it has produced. As newcomers to the bluegrass scene, the three sought to define themselves within the framework of their bluegrass favorites while establishing a voice of their own, drawing upon an array of influences and varied musical backgrounds. This voice first became evident in their May 2004 release of Less than Supper, recorded with bassist Chris Carr and dobro player Al Bates. In the fall of the same year, Greensky Bluegrass welcomed bassist Michael Devol, and in the summer of 2006 released their second studio album, Tuesday Letter. This album, produced by Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth, has proven a milestone in the quartet's growth as musicians and increasing exposure to a thriving national community. On December 31st of 2007 Greensky Bluegrass added Anders Beck to the line up to play Dobro. His playing is adding great depth to their existing material and opening many doors to new songs. The new quintet will be recording a new studio album in the late spring of 2008.

Live performance is central to Greensky Bluegrass' presence in today's eclectic acoustic scene. Touring extensively since 2005, Greensky has developed great versatility in the performance arena, earning audiences nationwide, from all walks of life. The mixing of original compositions with traditional bluegrass numbers gives the band a broad spectrum in which to display their driving technical chops, vocal abilities, and lyrical insight. A spirit of improvisation remains evident in live shows, which contributes to an ever-growing population of returning fans and avid show traders. On-stage collaborations have paired the boys with Railroad Earth, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, and Steppin' in It. The band has also shared bills with influential acts including Ralph Stanley, Peter Rowan and Tony Rice Quartet, Yonder Mountain String Band, Sam Bush Band, New Monsoon, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Keller Williams, Hot Buttered Rum, Vince Herman, The Mammals, The Hackensaw Boys, The Avett Brothers, Darrell Scott, King Wilkie, David Grisman Quintet and more.

The band recorded material for their first live album on June 1 and August 2 of 2007 at their home venue of Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan and are now touring to support it's release. Listeners can look forward to a live experience that Larry Keel has referred to as "a true hoedown… Kalamazoo style".