JATOBA

Jatoba is a high-energy groovegrass bluegrass trio that has been captivating audiences since their formation in 2008. Hailing from Brattleboro, Vermont, the band consists of John Jamison (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Jason Scaggs (guitar, banjo, vocals), and Jeff Richardson (upright bass, vocals). Known for their unique musical connection, the members of Jatoba bring uniqueness to their songwriting and compositions and communicate seamlessly through spontaneous composition and improvisation, bringing an unpredictable and dynamic element to their performances.

Influenced by their roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire, Jatoba has shared their music up and down the East Coast. They have provided direct support for celebrated acts like the Jeff Austin Band, Greensky Bluegrass, Trampled By Turtles, Rusted Root, The Kitchen Dwellers, The Infamous Stringdusters, and Leftover Salmon, and have been featured at festivals such as Northlands Music Festival and Frendly Gathering, with recent recognition from Rolling Stone.

The band’s versatility is evident in the multi-instrumental talents of each member, enabling them to craft rich, layered soundscapes infused with dynamic bluegrass rhythms that distinguish them within the genre. Their signature style merges intricate, original songwriting with tight three-part harmonies, driving tempos, and even the occasional touch of beatboxing, delivering a fresh and innovative approach to bluegrass music. With over a decade and a half of performing in theaters and festivals across the Northeast, Jatoba continues to evolve and excite with their distinctive groovegrass bluegrass sound and spontaneous improvisation, winning over new fans at every turn.

FOREST STATION

Forest Station is a Vermont-based bluegrass band with a sound that’s as adventurous as it is tight. Formed by guitarist Eli Martell-Crawford and mandolinist Alex Skowron, the group took shape after moving from the Rocky Mountains to the Green Mountains, where they joined forces with banjoist Thomas Bryce. With bassist Rob Strasenburgh and fiddler Silas Hamilton in tow, their music blends the heart-pounding energy of bluegrass with spontaneous jams that keep audiences on their toes.

Their debut album, Earth Tones (2024), reflects their deep connection to nature and their innovative approach to traditional string music. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes that surround them, Forest Station is quickly becoming a staple of the New England festival scene, where they continue to push the boundaries of bluegrass while staying rooted in its rich history.