Here is the second of our “Summer Stars,” emerging acts featured in the 2011 Relix Festival Guide who will be making the rounds this summer…

“I would guarantee that you would see raging bluegrass music,” says Anders Beck (dobro) of Greensky Bluegrass’s upcoming performances this summer. Embracing its jamband influences, the quintet uses bluegrass instruments to explore other musical avenues such as jazz and rock. Hailing from Michigan, Greensky Bluegrass formed in 2000 but only started touring seriously about five years ago. What emerged was an organic sound composed of insightful ballads, fast paced technique and improvisational jamming.

This summer, Greensky Bluegrass is looking forward to playing songs off its newest album, Handguns, a more focused effort with new musical textures. While comfortable onstage, some of Greensky Bluegrass’ most memorable performances have been through “surprise attacks” in campsites where it kicks back and jams with fans. “We call it ‘gorilla grass’ because we own – and randomly wear – a gorilla suit and a banana costume,” says bassist Mike Devol. “Just know that we are armed with whiskey and ready to strike.”

Appearing at: Northwest String Summit, Grey Fox Bluegrass, YarmonyGrass, John Hartford Memorial Festival, Riverbend and more.