If you like harmony, you’ll love us
That is the motto of one of the hottest new acts to come out of Ontario in recent years. In addition to offering a comedic element to their shows, HoneyGrass at once have a respect for tradition and a willingness to explore new areas of contemporary bluegrass. Their highly energetic and entertaining shows strike a balance between originals, traditional and contemporary bluegrass, and “bluegrassified” old country and bluesy numbers. They resist being pegged into any specific area of the genre, preferring to forge their own identity.
HoneyGrass originated in the summer of 2005 when two of the founding members met at the River Valley Bluegrass Festival in beautiful Northern Ontario. They have since forged their musical identity in an ever expanding circle of concerts, events, and festivals. They showcased at the 2007 International Bluegrass Music Association’s “World of Bluegrass” conference in Nashville, and won the "Most Promising Band" of the year award at the 2007 Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards (CCBA). They received three CCBA nominations in 2008 and again in 2009. Their debut CD "She's Running Wild" was released in June 2008 and received a very favourable review in the December 2008 issue of Bluegrass Unlimited. HoneyGrass has also contributed original work to each of the award winning 2008 and 2009 "North to Ontario" compilation CDs, which receive extensive international airplay. They have been playing at major festivals in Ontario and New York State, and are currently booking for 2010.
Check out their website at:
or contact (705) 788-
HoneyGrass is:
Marie Gustafson – mandolin, lead and harmony vocals
Karen May – upright bass, lead and harmony vocals
Bill Stewart – guitar, harmony vocals
Ray Winterstein – banjo
Here’s what others have to say about HoneyGrass:
“The harmony in this band is truly wonderful. They have drive as well as “sparkle”, giving their music a bonafide bluegrass feel. They are one of the finest sounding bands in Ontario.” Steve Pritchard, CKLN 88.1 FM, Toronto
“HoneyGrass has good harmony, excellent stage presence, and is very entertaining.”
Peter deVeau, Tottenham Bluegrass Festival
“HoneyGrass has the sweet flavour of tight harmonies mixed with solid instrumental and rhythm work. They will hold their own with the best of them on the bluegrass circuit.”
Dr. Mike Tirella, promoter and lead singer/guitar Cabin Fever Band, Upstate New York
