Back for more: Greensky Bluegrass has short break between State College shows

Nearly a year after its last appearance, Greensky Bluegrass is ready to bring its unique style of acoustic music back to The State Theatre.

Bassist Mike Devol said those in attendance should expect the unexpected from the band. Its heavy use of improvisation means no two shows are ever the same.

“I can’t tell you today exactly what we’ll be doing that night, but we’re going to aim for it to be really fun,” Devol said. “I’m certain spontaneity is to be be expected.”

Greensky Bluegrass is Anders Beck (dobro), Michael Arlen Bont (banjo), Dave Bruzza (guitar), Devol (upright bass) and Paul Hoffman (mandolin). The band formed in Kalamazoo, Mich., and gained national recognition at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in 2006.

The band cites Jerry Garcia as a gateway to more classic bluegrass artists like Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs. Devol said things are getting to the point now where other bands are beginning to cite Greensky as an influence.

“It’s an odd position to be in because we idolized other bands for so long and now for other people to be doing that for us it’s an honor and a responsibility,” Devol said. “It’s like we’re always up and coming and then suddenly wait we’ve been doing this for 11 years and have made our mark on the scene.”

Sarah Decker, operations director for The State Theatre, said the venue typically likes to put two years between a band’s appearance, but couldn’t turn down the opportunity to have Greensky back this year.

“We were amazed at the response they got when they showed up last year,” Decker said. “They are just on fire in the scene right now and we’re expecting another pretty rowdy, fun crowd at this show.”

Tickets for the show will be split between general admission standing on the floor and reserved seating in the balcony. Decker said this arrangement offers options for people who want to dance or be close to the band, and those who like to enjoy the show seated.

“We don’t really have too many nightclubs in town any more, so we’re trying an open our possibilities as an entertainment venue as opposed to only a seated theater,” Decker said.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2016, Devol said the band is excited to return to some of its favorite festivals, including DelFest in Cumberland, Md. and the Northwest String Summit in Ore. They also hope to record material for a new studio project.

“It’s nice to see our fans have connected the to music we’ve written and give us an opportunity to make more of it,” Devol said.

This story was originally published January 28, 2016 at 1:44 PM with the headline "Back for more: Greensky Bluegrass has short break between State College shows."