Grassland String Band

Grassland String Band is a widely recognized seven-piece musical group known for their unique blend of bluegrass, jazz, folk, country and pop. In 2013, the band coined the name “Amerigrass” to describe the genre-blending style that showcases a diverse range of influences and improvisational talent.  The result is a dynamic live performance that resonates across generations and music enthusiasts.

History
Grassland began its journey in late 2012 as a bluegrass duo, shortly expanding to a trio with the addition of a drummer. Over the years, the band evolved into a multi-generational six-piece group, bringing together musicians with backgrounds in classical organ, bass, jazz guitar, banjo, and violin. This diversity in musical training is a core element of their distinct sound and live performance style.

In 2014, Grassland released their debut album, Before the Feast, which quickly garnered attention for the band’s palpable chemistry, strong songwriting, and virtuosic musicianship. Following this, a live performance recorded at the EOP Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth, Georgia, was released as their second album in 2015, demonstrating the band’s control over their unique sound. During this time, they performed at significant venues, including the former Atlanta Braves stadium, known as The Ted.

The fall of 2016 saw the release of their Echo Mountain Sessions EP, recorded during a snowstorm in Asheville. This EP received praise from notable media outlets such as NPR Atlanta, Stomp & Stammer, and Flagpole Magazine, solidifying Grassland’s rising profile.

In 2018, the band released the single “Dreamers,” which debuted at number four on the Alternate Root’s list of top ten songs and was featured in an NPR Atlanta segment regarding the struggles faced by DACA youth. The band began recording their fourth album, titled Grassland: Still Not A String Band, in 2019, produced by Athens native John Keane. Despite delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the album was successfully released in late August 2022 to critical acclaim.

Grassland will release its fifth album, “Patches”, again produced by John Keane, on March 4, 2026. Additionally, they have written an eleven-song concept album titled The Alibi, which they hope to record soon.

Musical Style

Amerigrass” is a signature hybrid genre coined by the Grassland String Band to describe their improvisational, multi-genre fusion.  While its foundation is in traditional string instrumentation, the sound is made modern and “amorphous” by incorporating a wide variety of musical influences.

The Amerigrass sound is characterized by:

• Genre Blending: It combines elements of bluegrass, jazz, folk, pop, rock, soul, gospel, and country. The band’s 2026 album, Patches, further expands this to include Cajun and light rock influences.
• Instrumentation: Unlike traditional acoustic string bands, their setup includes both traditional and modern instruments. While they use banjo, fiddle, and mandolin, they also feature electric guitar, a full drum kit, keys, and pedal steel.
• Improvisational Style: Their live performances are highly improvisational, often extending tracks into jams that showcase the band’s diverse musical backgrounds, including members with master’s degrees in classical organ and jazz guitar.
• Performance Energy: The band describes their live “Amerigrass” experience as being “turned up to eleven,” featuring high-energy chemistry that encourages audience participation through dancing, singing, and clapping.
• Vocals: The sound often features multiple vocalists and rich multi-part harmonies, ranging from gritty and soulful to traditional country-style leads.

Members
– Jody Daniels – Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin
– Doug Peters – Electric and Slide Guitar, Harmonica
– Todd Ferguson – Drums
– Adam Poulin – Fiddle
– Jeff Rieter – Electric Bass
– Leanne Daniels – Acoustic Guitar, Main Vocals
– Jason Badia – Acoustic Guitar, Banjolele

Discography
– Before the Feast (2014)
– Live Performance at EOP Red Clay Music Foundry (2015)
– Echo Mountain Sessions EP (2016)
– Grassland: Still Not A String Band (2022)
– Patches (scheduled for March 4, 2026)