"Astrograss lend stratospheric virtuosity to tunes ranging from Bill Monroe to Frank Zappa." "They are Brooklyn's latest contribution to the indie scene--Astrograss. In its five year existence, Astrograss has moved to the forefront of New York's lively acoustic music and bluegrass scene. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 2005, showcases its unique sound: earthy, bluegrass-inspired yet decidedly un-twangy. Astrograss is equally passionate in its vocal harmonies and surging improvisations. In concert, Astrograss wows audiences with an eclectic yet solidly rooted mix of original material, choice covers ranging from Jimmy Webb to Guns n' Roses, and an occasional foot-stompin', "yee-haw"-inspiring fiddle hoedown. Astrograss has performed in prestigious New York venues such as Joe's Pub, BAM Harvey Theatre, BB King's Blues Club, Symphony Space, The Mercury Lounge, The Living Room and the Rodeo Bar, in addition to regular gigs at New York's home of bluegrass, the Parkside Lounge. In June 2004, the band undertook a tour of the Midwest, culminating with two sets at the highly esteemed Appalachian Uprising bluegrass festival in Ohio. 2005 found the band collaborating with ex-Zappa mallet player Ed Mann on various gigs, resulting in rich new sounds. Most recently, the band has been seen performing their highly successful family shows around the Northeast. In early 2008, Astrograss released a full-length family album, featuring original songs and traditional folk music. The band performed their family set at the legendary Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in upstate New York in both 2007 and 2008. In March 2009, the band made its way down to Austin, TX to perform in the famous South by Southwest Festival. When Astrograss is not performing in theatres, clubs or parks around the Northeast, the band can be found entertaining crowds at private events with their unique take on popular music. Whether it's a wedding, pig roast, kid's birthday party or school fundraiser, Astrograss can keep the party going for hours with its wide repertoire and diverse talents.
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