Bay Area banjo ace Bill Evans steps into the spotlight as bandleader with the Bill Evans String Summit, a new six-piece ensemble featuring some of the West Coast's hottest acoustic musicians. In this highly anticipated East Bay debut, Bill brings together guitarist Scott Nygaard (from Darol Anger's Republic of Strings, Tim O'Brien), dobro player Michael Witcher (from Dolly Parton's touring band), bassist Cindy Browne (from Due West, Lionel Hampton, Mel Torme) and the incredible twin fiddling of National Champion fiddlers Tristan and Tashina Clarridge. Bluegrass is the stylistic meeting ground for this diverse group of musicians, who bring with them jazz, classical folk and world music influences. The group spotlights original instrumental pieces, many of them from Bill's two acclaimed solo CDs, Native and Fine and Bill Evans Plays Banjo.

In the words of Sing Out's Tom Druckenmiller, "There are a handful of banjoists who are moving the tradition forward while keeping it close to the heart. Bill Evans is just such a player." Over the years, Bill has played with eminent groups like Dry Branch Fire Squad and local bands Due West and Bluegrass Intentions, but be prepared for another level of musical intensity and virtuosity with the String Summit!