New Orleans is not known as a bluegrass town, although that appears to be slowly changing with inroads being made by some of the bigger names in the genre. That partially explains why the latest phenom to light the scene on fire, guitarist Billy Strings, is playing in a venue the size of D.B.A. In cities with a larger bluegrass fan base he sells out much larger rooms. So this intimate show on Saturday night will be a rare to chance to see this incredible artist up close and personal. It’s likely the show will sell out. Tickets are available here.
Part of the reason the 26-year-old Strings has been blowing up around the country since he first burst on the scene is the intensity of his attack on the guitar. Rolling Stone magazine called him, “the improbable child of Pantera and Doc Watson.” He picks so fast and with such power that he is known for breaking multiple strings in any given song.
His father was a picker too and was one of his first influences growing up in Michigan. He turned him on to the classic players such as Watson, Bill Monroe, and Earl Scruggs. But as with every child of the internet age, he was also influenced by other sounds including the hard rock and metal of Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, and mostly likely the aforementioned Pantera.
The awards started rolling in when the International Bluegrass Music Association bestowed the Momentum Award for “Instrumentalist of the Year” and Bluegrass Situation named him a scene tastemaker in 2016. A year later, Strings was named one of the six new rising stars of bluegrass by Acoustic Guitar, and Rolling Stone called him “One of the Top Ten New Country Artists to Know.”
But all that is gravy compared to his live performances. He has been invited on stage to jam with veterans of the scene like Del McCoury and David Grisman and members of the new generation of bands like Greensky Bluegrass and the Infamous Stringdusters. He has played at most of the major festivals on the scene, and everyone who sees him live watches with their mouths hanging open before commenting on the dexterity and speed of his playing.
So as you’re pondering whether to check out this amazing talent before he graduates to much bigger stages, be sure to check out the videos I’ve included and take a listen to “Salty Sheep” on the album. The duet between Strings and guitarist Bryan Sutton demonstrates exactly why veteran musicians as well as his peers marvel at his speedy and precise guitar work.
Strings will be appearing with his band featuring the classic bluegrass instrumentation of upright bass, mandolin, banjo and of course, his sizzling guitar.
Show time is 11 PM.
