San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival: Barbwyre + Savannah Blu

Barbwyre creates finely crafted original pieces, with a few choice covers tossed in from time to time. They are musicians as much as songwriters and tend to let interesting melodies dictate where the song goes, verses adhering to any traditional style. Barbwyre was founded by Jon Mitguard and Dana Rath. These two develop combinations of two part harmonies, mandolin, mandola, pedal steel, dobro, acoustic guitar, and harmonica for a blend of musical styles. They draw from a diverse range of musical experience form country western to rock and roll, and bluegrass to classical. But, what isn’t all mixed up these days? Barbwyre blends these musical genres in a compelling musical hybrid they call, Alt country funk grass.

Savannah Blu  Savanna Blu brings a wide variety of musical perspectives and experience together in one fine band. Individually they have played with greats like Willie Nelson, Alison Brown, Vassar Clements and have made their way in touring bands and onto the stage in bands local to the Bay Area. So together — with Gary Kaye on Banjo, Dore Coller on guitar, Dave Hanks on mandolin, Dan Large on bass, and special guest Tom Lucas on fiddle — their show is going to have the polish and kick you'd expect from some veteran pros — don't miss 'em.