Bluegrass

The Tricksters have a huge working repertoire that ranges from their tuneful and well-crafted original pieces to traditional bluegrass and hillbilly jazz classics, to Grateful Dead, Dylan, Neil Yound and inventive interpretations of any and all songs that catch their fancy. The Zen Tricksters are not only renowned for the trademark jamming ability they have displayed for over 25 years, but also for their inspired songwriting. They are the quintessential jamband. Based in New York, they play nearly 150 dates a year while touring throughout the United States & Canada. They have also toured Nagoya, Yokohama, and Tokyo with Relix Japan and it is generally safe to say that the Tricksters are "currently on tour" somewhere in the United States or elsewhere. This band will rock you, psychedelicize you, make you cry, and pick it with the best of them! The Zen Tricksters have three studio CDS of all original material. When he heard their second CD, A Love Surreal, Phil Lesh was so impressed with the band's ability to jam in the studio that he tapped two members to be part of his Phil & Friends collective. "The Tricksters are more than just a cover band. They have their own stuff and they are brilliant, their stuff is brilliant. They are great players!"--Phil Lesh

UM has made the move into larger venues, filling venues across the country with their unique multi-genre jams. Originals that span everything from classical to bluegrass, gangsta-rap to rock, jazz improv to down right dirty evil funk, UM pleases all types of music lovers. With a tightly constructed light show and the addition of a few fun, danceable cover songs with a unique UM twist, the live show is a spectacle to be embraced. "These guys could be playing 1000+ venues all over the country if only more people knew about them. They have 'Big Time Jam Band' written all over their sound." -Charlie Dirksen, reviewing Dean Budnick's 'Jambands' "Holy Time Changes, Batman!!!!!" -Dave Rioux, jambands.com "Superlative Millennial Dance Music..." -Judge #5, Liquid Magazine Battle of the Bands "Theirs is the sound of full contentment." -Cincinnati City Beat

From Bonnaroo to the 10,000 Lakes Festival, Turbine has quickly gained a devoted audience who have come to expect the unexpected. Chosen by Relix Magazine as “Artists on the Verge", they can scratch like a DJ with their harmonicas, turn an electric guitar into a silver fiddle, and sing three-part harmonies over wild, high-energy sci-fi rock soundscapes.

Hailing from New York City, Turbine has graced the stage at almost every major festival across the country including Bonnaroo, Wakarusa, 10K Lakes, Gathering of the Vibes, and Telluride Nightgrass just to name a few. They have also been fortunate enough to perform with many influential bands including Del McCoury Band, Benevento-Russo Duo, and moe.

Playing the harmonica and acoustic guitar at the same time, Ryan Rightmire has rocketed this classic folk combo into the 21st century. He manipulates effects that can turn his harmonica into an organ, and even a turntable. Now endorsed by Hohner, Ryan has been to known to wow audiences with his ability to play the harmonica with a balloon. Jeremy Hilliard, in addition to being a prolific songwriter, brings an explosive electric guitar style steeped in the blues and roots traditions of the south. Jeremy moved to NYC from Virginia to pursue a music career, and happened to move next door to Ryan. They soon formed Turbine as a duo, and released their first album “Don’t Mind if I Should.” After adding a rhythm section including Justin Kimmel on bass they recorded “Reward” to critical praise. With Justin’s ability to seamlessly play any style and sing, their three-part harmonies became a signature aspect of their new songwriting style. Their newest member, Octavio Salman, was born in El Salvador and brings a fiery approach to the drums that you’ll just have to see to believe.

In 2010 Turbine released its first official live album. It includes eight tracks highlighting their 2009 Summer Tour. Spanning their first two albums, as well as a sneak peak into their forthcoming studio release, this live document allows new listeners to hear what their fans have known for some time.. these songs, much like their makers, are hard to forget!
 

His debut release, Acoustica, includes special appearances by guests such as Robert Sledge (Ben Folds Five), Nicky Sanders (Steep Canyon Rangers), Andy Thorn (Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, Big Fat Gap), and Walt Hensey (Barefoot Manner). Warning: No electric guitars were used in the making of this recording!