Banjo dynamo at the Wamsutta

The Wepeckett Salon Series usually features excellent but little known musicians, but last Saturday the Wamsutta Club hosted Jeff Scroggins and Colorado, a high-energy five member bluegrass band that has performed internationally. On their way back from touring Ireland, the band found it easy to stop off in New Bedford for a gig. The band is led by two-time national champion banjo player Jeff Scroggins, and also features his 20 year old son Tristan on mandolin. Playing a mean guitar and providing most of the vocals was Greg Blake, and the band also had Ellie on fiddle and some vocals and Sebie on bass. While billed as “bluegrass,” the band featured a variety of musical styles from near-pop to traditional folk to bluegrass. Their playing was indeed energetic, and Greg’s vocal range was excellent. Ellie did a soulful rendition of “Just a few old memories” as well as providing harmony. With free parking, table service for food and drink and very reasonable prices, you owe it to yourself to check out the remaining monthly concerts.