Keller Williams

Virginian, Keller Williams, released his first album in 1994, FREEK, and has since given each of his albums a single syllable title: BUZZ, SPUN, BREATHE, LOOP, LAUGH, HOME, DANCE, STAGE, GRASS, DREAM, TWELVE, LIVE, ODD, THIEF, KIDS, BASS, PICK, FUNK, VAPE, SYNC, RAW, SANS, ADD, SPEED, CELL and DROLL. Each title serves as a concise summation of the concept guiding each project. Keller’s albums reflect his pursuit to create music that sounds like nothing else. Un-beholden to conventionalism, he seamlessly crosses genre boundaries. The end product is music that encompasses rock, jazz, funk and bluegrass, and always keeps the audience on their feet. Keller built his reputation initially on his engaging live performances, no two of which are ever alike. For most of his career he has performed solo. His stage shows are rooted around Keller singing his compositions and choice cover songs, while accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, bass, guitar synthesizer and drum samples; a technique called live phrase sampling or “looping.” The end result often leans toward a hybrid of alternative folk and groovy electronica, a genre Keller jokingly calls “acoustic dance music” or ADM.” Keller’s constant evolution has led to numerous band projects as well; Keller & The Keels, Grateful Grass, KWahtro, Keller and the Travelin’ McCourys, Grateful Gospel and More Than A Little to name a few. Keller can be found playing clubs and festivals around the U.S. with these projects throughout the year.

Baltimore-born and bluegrass-bred, The Dirty Grass Players have established themselves as a national touring band with one toe-tappin’ foot in traditional bluegrass while pushing boundaries towards progressive jam-grass. They have the flawless technique of the craft of fast pickin’, and combine that with fearless creativity that leaves the audience astounded.

Comprised of Connor Murray on Bass, Alex Berman on Banjo, Ben Kolakowski with the guitar, and Ryan Rogers on mandolin, this four piece is successfully bringing their growing fanbase a down & dirty performance. Their ability to seamlessly transition from down-home bluegrass to spirited improvisation makes each performance unique. Throw in some Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd, and Hot Rize, and you’ll quickly understand what they mean by ‘dirty grass’.

Their inaugural self-titled album was released around the same time they won the 2017 Charm City Bluegrass & Folk Festival Band Competition. For the next few years, they successfully toured the Mid-Atlantic with festival and headline appearances all over the East Coast and support slots for the likes of the Travelin’ McCoury’s, Cabinet, and their hometown hero Cris Jacobs. In 2019, amid a busy touring schedule, they released their 2nd studio album, “Beneath the Woodpile”. Put together with alluring melodies, the band presents a sound precisely at the crossroads of traditional and progressive bluegrass.

The pandemic crashed their world – as it did most musicians. But the Dirty Grass Players made the most of it, and got to writing and recording. Now, with a tour schedule of over 120 dates in 2022, they’re getting ready to release their 3rd studio album, produced by Cody Kilby (the Travelin’ McCoury’s). They’re making their way across the country with many festival dates along the way, so catch them where you can and let’s get dirty!