09/14/2026
This Saturday: The Brothers Comatose at our 50th anniversary concert. Goldengrass comes to the Rio.
Hailing from California, the band has a long-held reverence for the traditions of bluegrass music. But existing in their own ecosystem, far from the epicenter of bluegrass, they haven't been constrained by those same traditions. The result is "GOLDENGRASS," a term the band has fully embraced to describe their unique style of music, born out of bluegrass, but with the undeniable freedom and rock 'n' roll attitude of California.
At the heart of the band are brothers Ben and Alex Morrison, whose songs incorporate the best aspects of modern Americana: poignant lyrics sung in close, blood harmony, creating memorable melodies that conjure images of well-worn highways and the vast American experience. The recent addition of the band's first "sister," Addie Levy, rounds out their rich blend with clear, Appalachian-soaked high harmonies and a driving mandolin chop steeped in bluegrass. Soaring above it all is the controlled mayhem of Philip Brezina's violin, whose improvised, blistering solos bring the rawness and rebelliousness of a rock 'n' roll guitarist. Underneath it all is Steve Height on upright bass, whose unwavering, workman-like thump will make you swear, or wish, you were at a back porch hootenanny drinking out of a jug.
From down-home bluegrass and folk festivals to mainstream pop and country festivals to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, The Brothers Comatose have earned their reputation as the go-to for folks who want to kick up the dirt and bask in the good vibes of their live shows, an experience that proves bluegrass isn't just a tradition to be preserved, but a celebration meant to be blown wide open.
Sounds like the right band for a fiftieth birthday.
Come kick up some dirt with us.
Saturday, September 19 at the Rio Theatre.
Tickets at snazzyproductions.com/santacruzguitar50
1976–2026: Celebrating our first fifty years.
