North Fork Crossing
North Fork Crossing is a new-age Bluegrass band that resides between the Traditional music world with their timeless fiddle tunes and ballads, and the Jamgrass community with their intricate improvisation and energetic peaks. With the addition of modern covers and old time country songs, they explore a vast terrain of genres. Their captivating shows are everchanging and will leave you dancing and wondering what they could possibly do next.
Founded in 2021, North Fork Crossing was formed out of a rekindled friendship formed at Montana Fiddle Camp. It has since grown into powerful five piece band. The quintet — Cade Slayden (guitar), Ryan Kelly (mandolin), Rabi Phelan (upright bass), Silas Rea (fiddle), and Matt Hickey (banjo) — are drawn to having Bluegrass reach a new generation, priding themselves on their unique sound as the evolution of string band music. They have quickly made their presence known around the West, most notably in the beautiful Gallatin Valley where they are based.
North Fork Crossing has recently released their debut, self-titled album. North Fork Crossing (2024) explores the Bozeman band’s origins, consisting of songs played live since their inception. This includes original fiddle tunes, high-paced exploratory bluegrass, and ballads focused on songwriting and precision. Although they are known for their live performances, the album is a well-rounded and
powerful introduction to the band’s studio work.
Release the Squirrels
Release the Squirrels is a shiny new bluegrass quintet, pushing the boundaries of the traditional bluegrass cage. Hailing from the valleys of Western Montana, the five group members each bring a unique perspective to the band, creating a cohesive and dynamic voice. From danceable old-time original compositions to artful covers of modern songs, the Squirrels have a broad repertoire that appeals to every audience. With a deep appreciation for bluegrass traditions, influences like Bill Monroe and the
Bluegrass Album Band are present, however the group has a penchant for crafting bold arrangements to pay tribute to the past with a modern flavor. The depth of their musicianship is evidenced by masterful flatpicking, hard driving banjo, and rock steady upright bass. Listeners also delight to hear hypnotizing fiddle melodies and inspired mandolin licks interspersed amongst a tapestry of three-part vocal harmonies.
The Squirrels might be spotted rattling cages at Bluegrass Festivals, mountain venues,
breweries, and private events across Montana and around the region.
Scrapetown
Scrapetown is the latest band project for brothers John and Billy Parker. We scraped this all-star crew together last year for some shows this summer. The band includes Billy on mandolin, John on upright bass, Tyler James on the 5-string, Peter McLaughlin on guitar, and Isaac Callender on fiddle. We will do some originals written by Peter, Isaac, and Billy, some bluegrass standards, and some more obscure songs, usually on the theme of the land and the people who work it. We are also hoping to have an
original about the Worland festival. The band has a couple hundred years of experience (but don’t hold it against us) and we are looking forward to playing with old friends in a new arrangement.
