Phillygrass

Philadelphia-based multi-instrumentalist Pat Farrell is dedicated to advancing the bluegrass tradition through musicianship and modern energy. He spent a year as bassist/guitarist for the Cheddar Boys, performing at venues including the Windgap Bluegrass Festival and the Philadelphia Music Festival. He continues to perform occasionally with the bluegrass and old-time group, Noggin Hill. Phillygrass, Farrell's new project, Phillygrass, celebrates the dynamism of bluegrass with elements of jazz, folk and fusion. Blending classic and contemporary styles in sets of traditional and original songs, Phillygrass' dynamic performances emphasize three-part harmonies, drive, and innovation. The seasoned musicians in Phillygrass help make Farrell’s vision an entertaining and engaging reality. Ben Krakauer, a banjo player and composer rooted in bluegrass, jazz, and new acoustic music, has toured with David Grisman. Ben was a founding member of Old School Freight Train. Jeff Westerinen, a fiddler and veteran of the Yankee Rebels, currently leads Blue Octane Bluegrass and performs with Ironwood Bluegrass and Phillygrass. Bassist and composer Chris Coyle leads his own jazz/experimental ensembles, and has been recognized by the American Composers Forum, the McKnight Foundation, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Farrell’s training in jazz performance at Temple University allows him to bring an improvisational approach, rhythmic precision, and deep ensemble awareness to bluegrass. He grounds his work in tradition while allowing room for exploration. The skillful musicians of Phillygrass turn Farrell’s vision into an exhilarating experience for audiences of all ages