Melody Allegra Berger
I perform with many bands in the NYC area and beyond. The scene here is incredible and I'm inspired daily by the amazing musicians I get to play with. Here are a few projects that are currently rocking my socks.
Please feel free to get in touch if you're interested in booking one of these bands and/or if you need a fiddler/singer for recording or gigging purposes! You can also find info about upcoming performances on the Shows page.
The Melody Allegra Band
The MAB flits about effortlessly between musical genres, getting dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion and bringing home the good music with playful virtuosity and gritty soulful singing. With a wide repertoire that ranges from classic honky tonk, western swing, bluegrass, old time americana to absurd forays into cajun or klezmer the MAB will bring a smile to your heart and a tap to your feet. They are a truly versatile folk band whose musicianship and love for their art wins crowds over time and again.
photo credit: Jack Hirschorn: flamekeeper2@verizon.net
Gangstagrass
Emmy-nominated for their theme song on the hit FX show Justified, hiphop-bluegrass all stars Gangstagrass know how to bring the fun to the people. Check the Gangstagrass website for tour dates and the like.
The Berger Sisters
This collaboration between sisters Melody and Mariel has been a long time in the making! Mare is an improvisational pianist/composer who took up accordion and guitar, Mel a classically trained violinist/vocalist turned bluegrass fiddler. Together they explore music from around the world including cajun, klezmer, americana, jazz, brazilian, western swing and pretty much anything else they fancy. With enchanting harmonies and grooving, danceable songs, the sisters promise to delight!
photo credit: Brian Geltner
The Dive Bar Dukes
The Dive Bar Dukes play an original blend of country, blues and bluegrass music. In addition to performing in NYC's acclaimed music venues, the DBD's 2011 release of their first recording earned them a coveted spot at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco. Bandleader Hans Holzen is an in-demand sideman and session player for many artists and songwriters, including Mark O'Connor, Carrie Rodriguez, and Peter Bradley Adams. He has appeared on Austin City Limits (PBS) and Prairie Home Companion (NPR) and has toured extensively in the US and abroad. You can download the Dukes' EP here.
photo credit: Leah Latella