AstrograssBluegrass Band from Brooklyn, NY

Astrograss, formed in 2003, performs high-energy bluegrass music for all occasions. Since its inception, Astrograss has moved to the forefront of New York's lively acoustic music and bluegrass scene. The band has also been recognized on a national level, performing yearly at the legendary Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival since 2007, and also at the prestigious South by Southwest Festival in March 2009. The band's self-titled debut album, released in February 2005, showcases its unique sound: earthy, bluegrass-inspired yet decidedly un-twangy. Astrograss is equally passionate in its vocal harmonies and surging improvisations. In concert, Astrograss wows audiences with an eclectic yet solidly rooted mix of original material, choice covers ranging from Beatles to Guns n' Roses, and foot-stompin', "yee-haw"-inspiring fiddle hoedowns. Astrograss performs regularly in top New York venues such as BB King Blues Club, Joe's Pub, Symphony Space, The Living Room and 92Y Tribeca, in addition to regular appearances at city sponsored events, such as Madison Sq. Park Kids, Washington Market Park, River to River Festival and others. In June 2004, the band undertook a tour of the Midwest, culminating with two sets at the highly esteemed Appalachian Uprising bluegrass festival in Ohio. Starting in 2006, the band has launched a highly successful series of childrens' music performances at theaters and parks throughout the NYC area. The band released has two full length CDs of original family music, one in 2008 and another in 2012. The band also takes on about 4-6 private events per month, ranging from weddings to pig roasts to school events and kid's birthday parties. At weddings, the bands let the wedding couple pick out 6-8 specific song requests that they learn specifically for that wedding. Any song, any genre, no problem. For the rest of the performance, the band generally does a mix of uptempo bluegrass, the couple's requests, and past requests from the band's published song list, which ranges from 80's pop tunes to traditional Americana to Celtic music to classic rock/soul tunes. (all done in the high-energy 'newgrass' style.) Favorites include songs by Wilco, Stevie Wonder, Grateful Dead, Flaming Lips, Madonna, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and The Pixies. Astrograss is available as a 3, 4 or 5-piece ensemble, including any of the following instruments: Banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, dobro and bass.