Event

Front Country

Front Country forged a sound that lies somewhere between indie folk and Americanaa genre some might call Roots Pop: the past is discernible with a wink and a nod, and the future is here. Theyre working to translate the incredibly intricate arrangements and structures of the best pop songs into an organic, on-the-fly acoustic string band.

What started as a group of friends playing bluegrass in San Francisco's Mission District has morphed into a touring powerhouse of song and sound, transcending their humble stringband roots. Front Country's dynamic instrumental textures take flight with grace and gravitas while rooted in the relentlessly soulful vocals of lead singer-songwriter Melody Walker. Along with mandolinist Adam Roszkiewicz, guitarist Jacob Groopman, violinist Leif Karlstrom and bassist Jeremy Darrow, this quintet has been called "passionately intoxicating" and "orchestral" and Melody's bluesy vocals have been described as "rafter-shaking".

In the last few years, the band has performed at Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Merlefest, Rockygrass, Wintergrass, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival, Anchorage Folk Fest, La Roche Bluegrass Festival France, Old Settlers Music Festival, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, The Bluegrass Underground, Winter Wondergrass Tahoe, Grass Valley Bluegrass Festival, Big Sky Big Grass Festival and Red Wing Roots Festival and has supported Steep Canyon Rangers, Leftover Salmon and Greensky Bluegrass.

Tickets are $18 general and $16 Folklife and Playhouse members and $20 the day of the show. Available at Wildberries Marketplace, brownpapertickets.com or reserve at 822-1575.