The 23 String Band

Let me put it this way... any bluegrass band that has a megaphone in their bag of tricks is okay in my book. This is the second year in a row that I have seen The 23 String Band play Beartrap and they continue to exceed my expectations. Also, considering the incredible weather that we've seen so far this weekend, this could almost the the anthem of the festival.

The 23 String Band took to the Beartrap stage on Saturday and they left the crowd in amazement, with jaws dropped and feet still tappin'. The boys of bluegrass mixed folk and rock and yes, bluegrass, to create a goulash of awesomeness. The only bad thing about their performance was that it ended. Here are some photos from their amazing set.

The 23 String Band gave a us a taste of their latest album through the title track - "Catch 23." Suffice to say... the crowd was not disappointed.

History may never know exactly how the 23 String Band got its name, because the five-man group from Cumberland Valley, Kentucky plays more strings than that with any onstage musical configuration they use. The answer may be as simple as a member once told a reporter interviewing them: “We've always been into prime numbers, you know...

Don't let the name fool you, The 23 String Band ain't no classical orchestra. Combining all sorts of different stringed instruments, 23 also has some very unique voices that adds to this very one of a kind folk-esque band.

The origin of their name remains shrouded in mystery: obviously, the members of the 23 String Band play more strings than that onstage. But the type of music they play is unmistakable. They describe it as “Original Hillbilly.” Which would be true, if the original hillbillies had listened to Paganini and the Beastie Boys.

Scott Moore, Chris Shouse, T. Martin Stam, Dave Howard and Curtis Wilson make up this rowdy ensemble affectionately know as The 23 String Band. Before you say anything, yes, we've done the math and I am aware that there are in fact 27 strings in this band. Don't worry, we'll be asking the guys about that one at the earliest opportunity.

Hailing from all around Kentucky, The 23 String Band pays homage to the deep roots of American traditional music, while pushing forward with genre-bending, hard-driving originals and distinctive arrangements.