Painted Mandolin is a plugged-in acoustic quartet of original compositions, reupholstered covers, and reimagined medleys. The concept of PM — whose name references the Garica/Hunter composition “Ruben and Cherise”— was born out of mutual love and direct affiliation to the musical leanings of Jerry Garcia. Featuring Joe Craven, who was percussionist and fiddler for the Grisman/Garcia project, plus Matt Hartle, Larry Graff, and Dan Robbins.
Joe Craven is a creative educator, record producer, actor/storyteller, emcee, weekend poet, and fashion insultant. Matt Hartle is the lead guitarist of Painted Mandolin, the China Cats, and various other Dead projects. His signature style, a vast knowledge of the Grateful Dead canon and beyond, brings a fearless and soulful address to the sound of PM. Larry Graff, also of Banana Slug String Band fame, lends his maturity as a band leader, songwriter, and musician, contributing to Painted Mandolin’s creative edge. Dan Robbins is a full-time professional bassist, educator, and recording artist since 1997, bringing a lifetime of knowledge and skill to both upright and electric bass.
Instrumentals, high energy grooves, and vocals shared by all, the quartet features a backwoods toolbox of acoustic guitars, banjotar, mandolin, fiddle, hand and mouth percussion, and upright and electric bass that create a sound of memories, traditions, and innovations all in a fresh jam that Jerry would like… Painted Mandolin thinks you will too.
Catch Painted Mandolin on the Main Stage at Strawberry on Sunday, October 19 at 7:15pm. Listen and learn more here!
