Pete Wernick & FLEXIGRASS is a supercharged blend of bluegrass with classic jazz and "Dr. Banjo" originals. The all-star group blazes new trails everywhere they play, as young vibraphone master Greg Harris and hot clarinetist Bill Pontarelli trade licks with Grammy-nominated Wernick, the band's tight arrangements provide many surprises. Joan Wernick's sparkling vocals range from soulful bluegrass to stylish jazz and Kris Ditson (drums) and Roger Johns (bass) provide a strong pulse that doesn't overpower, but pops and sizzles!
FLEXIGRASS has performed from Carolina to California, and made two trips to Ireland. Fans from Bela Fleck to George Winston have sung its praises, and the press has reacted with words like: fundamentally futuristic, an amazing accomplishment, truly great, beguiling, instantly accessible, fantastic, wildly enjoyable, monster players. "I love the way [FLEXIGRASS] blends bluegrass banjo into an early jazz band. A very appealing combination." (Bela Fleck)
Long Road Home is currently touring in support of their new live album, Live From eTown Hall, recorded here in Boulder. When the band formed in 2005, some described it as a "teenage super group." The band won the 2006 RockyGrass Band Competition in Colorado and quickly became a regional mainstay. After some personnel changes, original members Justin Hoffenberg (fiddle) and Martin Gilmore (lead vocals and guitar) completed the current lineup in the summer of 2008 when they added Grammy nominated, 30-year banjo veteran Pete Wernick to the lineup. On bass is Gene Libbea, a world renouned bass player from the Nashville Bluegrass Band. During his time with them Gene garnered two Grammy awards and five nominations. Rounding out the band on mandolin is Jordan Ramsey, the 2008 Colorado and Wyoming State mandolin champion.
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