Among the latest generation keeping the torch lit with a vision of the American folk tradition, the Mammals stand out for their dynamic, experimental approach that cuts away trappings, leaving the cleanest of raw roots music and exposing its timeless appeal. Honey-voiced singer, Ruth Ungar, daughter of fiddler Jay Ungar and folk singer Lyn Hardy, fiddles up a storm in her own right as well as playing guitar and ukelele. Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, who sings and plays banjo, 12-string guitar, and bodhran, has performed all over the world with his eminent grandfather Pete. Guitarist, banjo-player, and percussionist Michael Merenda is a singer with talent for writing poetic originals. The group recently released its debut album, Born Live.

All Wrecked Up mixes traditional old-time country, bluegrass, and acoustic honky tonk music. Their sparse instrumental arrangements and tightly blended vocal harmonies frame dark songs of heartbreak and salvation, plucked from the heart of the American folk tradition. The group includes Matt Knoth, Christa Dahlstrom, Mike Brown, Chris Ereneta, and Barbara Hansen.