PICKIN' PRODUCTIONS: Artist Roster

They are two married couples playing original bluegrass, country, and folk with the same grit and snarl that made this music important to begin with.


Mike and Amy Finders (say finn-ders), and Aaron and Erin Youngberg play banjo, harmonica, bass, mandolin, pedal steel, and guitar, while they sing new songs, and tell new stories. In the spaces between the seasoned vocal and instrumental performances, the synergy of this quartet sparkles brighter than the stage lights. One can tell that this combination has a powerful hum about it, so as to shake the windows and rattle the doors.


The scene of their first convergence is Chicago, 2005. Mike and Amy, touring with their band, open a show for the Hit and Run Bluegrass Band, featuring the soon-to-marry-and-share-both-names Youngbergs. As the Iowa-based Mike and Amy find themselves needing a banjo and bass player for some Colorado gigs, it is fated that the four continue to tour in Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. In 2008, amidst continued work with their other bands (Mike and Amy Finders Band and the Billy Pilgrims), the four decide to make an album together.


The album, Finders and Youngberg: “Keep Your Suitcase Packed” was recorded in two week-long sessions early in 2008 at Youngberg's own Swingfingers Studios in Fort Collins, Colorado. It features songs by Mike Finders and Erin Youngberg, Amy Finders' much-lauded vocalizings, and the rock-steady banjo and steel of Aaron Youngberg. Material on the CD weaves through relationship themes (no surprise with a double-couple band), tales of older times, a few songs about Iowa and Colorado, while the band keeps orchestration intimate and honest.


Individually, they have traveled different roads to meet together here and now.


Erin Youngberg--plays the bass, sings and writes a few songs. She's the most experienced bluegrass player of the group. She started in Wyoming bars at age 9, playin' bass in her daddy's bluegrass band. She's played with Uncle Earl and recorded all bass parts on their most recent CD. She hunts elk.


Aaron Youngberg--plays banjo and pedal steel. He engineered, produced and mixed “Keep Your Suitcase Packed." Aaron often plays with other country and honkytonk bands in the Fort Collins area. He's an expert snowboarder and pen-flipper.


Amy Finders--sings and plays mandolin. She has a “spunky, charming personality and a powerful, soulful voice that can go from the effervescent, clearwater high-country sound of, say, Dolly Parton, to the sultry, sassy, swinging blues of a young Maria Muldaur.” She's afraid of snowboarding and elk, but loves ninjas.


Mike Finders--plays guitar, harmonica, sings, writes songs, and teaches the youth of America. He's won the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest twice. He likes to do dishes and used to be a ninja.


As the Finders move to Colorado in ‘08, the quartet continues to play for all audiences, including school and community events. They lend their musical support to projects that promote education, social justice and the environment. Look and listen for them at festivals, theaters, clubs, and living rooms near you.


www.findersandyoungberg.com
www.myspace.com/findersandyoungberg