Quintet bridges roots, bluegrass genres

By Erica Mitchell

The Punch Brothers might look like a bluegrass band, but do not let that fool you.

“We are not bluegrass, we are not a rock band, or a pop act, or really even a string quintet,” said band member and banjoist Noam Pikelny. “We’re somewhere in between there, trying to create something new.”

The quintet, led by former Nickel Creek member and mandolin player Chris Thile, will perform at Natasha’s Bistro & Bar on Monday at 9:30 p.m.

“What the Punch Brothers are doing with roots music, is not unlike what The Beatles did with rock and roll,” said Michael Johnathon, host of WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour. “They are recreating a genre.”

The band is known for mixing traditional bluegrass instrumentation with contemporary composition, resulting in a sound that appeals to traditional and non-traditional audiences.

Also in the band are guitarist Chris Eldridge, fiddler Gabe Witcher and bassist Paul Kowert, all of whom host well-established résumés in music.

“When the band first came out, a lot of people expected them to play some ‘Foggy Mountain Breakdown,’ ” said Kamilla Olsen, event coordinator for Natasha’s. “What they ended up getting was this beautiful, satisfying composition.”

Pikelny said the concert will feature new material, as well as songs off their previous albums and covers for bands like Radiohead, The Strokes and The Beatles.

Their latest album, which is scheduled for release in April or May of next year, is their most collaborative work yet .

On previous occasions, Punch Brothers has attracted large audiences in Lexington, but Olsen said about 60 tickets have been sold so far and over 100 tickets are still available.

She said the low ticket sales may be the result of competition from other shows scheduled the same week, such as violinist and composer Mark O’Connor on Monday and The Decemberists performing on Tuesday.

“When you’re a college student, it’s tough to find the money to see a show, let alone two or three shows in one week,” Olsen said.

Olsen said O’Connor’s show does not overlap with the Punch Brothers concert.

Although some students may not have the extra cash to attend shows, Johnathon said nothing compares with experiencing a musician perform in person.

“This concert is an opportunity to experience genius while it’s in the room,” Johnathon said.

The Punch Brothers concert is part of the band’s fall tour. Tickets are available for $25 by calling Natasha’s box office. Seating begins at 8:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 9:30 p.m.