Artists
Quattlebaum
Quattlebaum, Southern Gent and Banjo Slinger, brings more to the table than just music. With his infectious smile and weird antics, he brings people together; encouraging camaraderie and building community. The singer-songwriter, currently based in Bend, Oregon, tours the country picking and strumming indie-folk songs that are spacious and emotive, and have an implicit groove. When he plays, you can hear the reverberations of the rustic mountains clashing with the breezy ocean. Like a willowy heron, Quattlebaum struts around on stage as the music moves through him, evoking a range of emotions from laughter to longing. He shares tender moments, where one can almost hear his banjo breathing, then erupts into raucous peaks of unbridled energy—his captivating solo performances take his audiences on a ride.
Quattlebaum’s playing style is rooted in traditional southern bluegrass, but his stage presence and improvisational nature have morphed his sound into something all his own. He’s developed his show to be a more complete live experience, switching instruments around on stage from banjo to cello banjo to guitar, and incorporating comedy and funny stories in between songs.
After college in Asheville, NC, Quattlebaum hit the road, rambling the countryside in his Volkswagen camper, armed with his banjo, eventually landing in the Sierra foothills near South Lake Tahoe. There, he recorded his first solo album, 2013’s The Ghost Tangled in the Oaks, which has prominent country and bluegrass elements in it. His childhood home of Savannah, GA shines through in the swampy tones and sleepy southern lilt of his banjo.After its release in 2014, Quattlebaum started the Portland band, Crow and the Canyon, which achieved many accolades, notoriety, and big festival plays in their short history. In 2018 they were selected as Cultural Ambassadors for the U.S. State Department’s American Music Abroad Program where they traveled across Africa teaching at music universities, hosting workshops, entertaining diplomats, and collaborating with African bands.
Quattlebaum released his follow-up album, EP Vol. 1, in October 2018. The bluegrass and country influences are softly buried underneath the surreal and lonesome, almost vintage folk sounds. Played with sparse instrumentation and a hypnotic air, this new album holds space for his gritty and raw vocals.
Fresh on the heels of his new release and 100+ shows played in 2018, he shows no signs of slowing down. Whether taking the stage with one of his projects or all on his own, Quattlebaum isn't shy and always brings a good time.
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The Muddy Souls
“The Muddy Souls have crafted a unique and raw sound, combining a musicality reminiscent of everything we love about the genre, but with gripping vocals, intricately woven arrangements, and lyrics completely of their own style. Excited to see what more this group has to bring to our musical community.” - Hilarie Spangler, Freshgrass Music Festival
“The Muddy Souls aren’t just a bluegrass band…they will take you on a musical journey through life, love, space, and time. Do yourself a favor and catch a Muddy Souls set when they come around.” - Ed Kashin, KRVM 91.9 FM Eugene, OR
The Muddy Souls are a leading progressive bluegrass band based in Eugene, OR featuring original songs, virtuosic improvisation, tight vocal harmonies, and a high-octane groove that will energize and get the dance floor bouncing. Formed in 2018, the band has four albums of completely original music, and has played nearly 300 concerts across the Pacific Northwest, Canada and the Northeast including festival sets at Freshgrass, Bridge City Bluegrass, Oregon Country Fair, and Wintergrass. They are currently planning their first European Tour for 2025. A gem of the Northwest music scene the Muddy Souls are sure to get your feet dancing and your face grinning.