Friday 28th July, 8pm
Marsden Mechanics, Marsden, Huddersfield
I’m delighted to announce that the hugely exciting and entertaining Gangstagrass are coming to Marsden! This acclaimed American quintet performs a fusion of bluegrass and hip-hop that will have you tapping your feet (or up on your feet dancing). With two emcees, R-Son and Dolio The Sleuth, trading verses, as well as outstanding musicianship from Dan Whitener on banjo, Brian Farrow on fiddle and Rench on guitar (plus great singing and harmony vocals), the band made their Glastonbury debut last year and have built up a loyal following of UK fans. Gangstagrass was first established back in 2006 by Brooklyn producer and singer-songwriter Rench, and they have garnered a reputation among fans on both sides of the Atlantic for their exciting, dynamic and entertaining live show.
Gangstagrass have been touring internationally for a number of years, blowing away audiences from SXSW to Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, with a live stage act taking full advantage of the improvisational aspects of both hip-hop and bluegrass. In 2021 Gangstagrass auditioned for a place on the 16th season of America’s Got Talent, and received four yeses from the judges – taking their message of togetherness and their quintessentially American music to a massive TV audience in the USA and beyond, on the way to becoming quarter-finalists.
“A daring blend of innovative modern swagger and classic Americana cool which dares listeners not to come along for the ride.” – Hear Hear Music
Gangstagrass have released five acclaimed studio albums to date and also received widespread recognition for their song Long Hard Times To Come, which was used as a theme tune for six seasons of the hit TV series Justified, and was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2010. Many True North Music regulars may remember Man About A Horse, the awesome band from Philly that we had on tour here in 2019. Ace banjoist, singer and songwriter Dan Whitener also adds his considerable talents to the mighty fusion that is Gangstagrass. The band’s music is irresitibly catchy with thoughtful lyrics, and this is going to be a barnstorming evening of music in Marsden.
UPDATE: We’re delighted to share the news that outstanding local folk-roots trio Ólta will be opening the show for Gangstagrass. Many of our regulars will already know about the fine musicianship of India Shan Merrett (fiddle), Paul Higham (guitar/vocals) and Jonny Hulme (banjo), and their foot-tapping tunes, evocative songs and dry sense of humour are sure to make this an even more memorable night.
This event is part of True North Music’s 2023-24 live music series, supported by National Lottery Project Grants funding from Arts Council England. Many thanks to them for supporting grassroots live music, enabling us to continue to bring world class artists like this to our local community venues. We also want to thank our series sponsor Dark Woods Coffee for their support. This show will be part seated and part standing (to allow for dancing). There will be a licensed bar.