Current Projects

Anthony Ihrig’s Almost Acoustic Ensemble 
In the fall of 2010, Anthony began work on a solo project, with a desire to combine his love of modern folk lyricists like Greg Brown and Gillian Welch, with the instrumentation and arrangements of contemporary string bands like Alison Krauss and Nickel Creek. To join him on this venture, he recruited fellow band mates Eric Christopher (High48s) to play fiddle, Jed Germond (Mark Kreitzer Band) to play mandolin and pedal steel and Dan Christensen-Cowan (Free Range Pickin’) to play the upright acoustic bass. They made their debut appearance as an ensemble in early 2011 at the Loring Theater in Minneapolis, and spent the following spring and summer working on their first studio album. The finished recording is entitled “Missing Ghosts” and is set to be released in December of 2011.  For the latest news about the album release and to be notified when Anthony and his Almost Acoustic Ensemble will be playing at a venue near you, please sign up for the email list.

The High 48s Bluegrass Band 
Since arriving on the Minnesota bluegrass scene in 2006, The High 48s Bluegrass Band has achieved national recognition, winning the prestigious RockyGrass Bluegrass Band Competition in Lyons, Colorado (the first band from the Upper Midwest to win the honor), touring the national bluegrass festival circuit and earning the respect of bluegrass musicians and audiences North and South. Find out more at thehigh48s.com

The Mark Kreitzer Band
The Mark Kreitzer Band plays an eclectic mix of modern Americana music, from bluegrass and folk to country swing and gypsy jazz. The sound is centered around Mark’s original compositions, which are brought to life by some of the Twin Cities premier string players.  From rollicking bluegrass breakdowns to pedal steel laden country waltzes, the Mark Kreitzer Band offers a something for all fans of American roots music. Find out more at markkreitzerband.com

American Strings
American Strings is a side project of The High 48s Bluegrass Band members Eric Christopher and Anthony Ihrig. American Strings builds on the long and venerable duet tradition in bluegrass, from the “brother harmonies” of Bill and Charlie Monroe to the banjo-fiddle repertoire at the heart of the traditional bluegrass sound. In addition to working as a duo, American Strings also performs with a revolving cast of some of the Upper Midwest’s top bluegrass musicians. To book American Strings for your wedding, festival or special event please fill out the form on the Contact/Booking page.

Walker Fields
Walker Fields is a musical project by singer/songwriter Brad Senne of Minneapolis, Mn. Playing with a revolving cast of musicians, Walker Fields explores the realm of folk, Americana, and blues music.  For music and more information, check out Walker Fields’ Reverb Nation page.