Take a string band and swap out the fiddle player for a groovy drummer and you’re well on your way to understanding the sound of Oakhurst. The band spikes traditional bluegrass with rock & roll and a kamikaze rhythmic sensibility. That danceable concoction along with banjo vs. fiddle shootouts, three part harmonies, and citybilly swagger keeps the band in high demand. Oakhurst’s unpretentious, go-for-it interpretation of a genre that’s often handled too reverently, sparks interest in bluegrass by folks who don’t know Doc Watson from Doc Holliday.
Oakhurst’s work ethic and road hardened sound has made them one of the most successful acts from Colorado earning them the chance to perform at legendary venues like the Fillmore and Red Rocks. In 2008 Oakhurst played multiple major festivals, 33 states and 13 countries across Europe and the Caribbean. The band’s latest album, Jump in the Get Down, received airplay on over 200 radio stations nationwide. The spins not only earned the quintet spots on the Americana, Bluegrass and Jamband charts, but an even larger national following.
That hybridized, hard-to-categorize sound has also gotten Oakhurst nominated by Denver’s Westword Magazine 4 years straight as the best band in different categories each year. Oakhurst captured the “Best Bluegrass Band” honor in 2007, against stiff competition.
Oakhurst’s broad appeal and nebulus stlye has earned them spots on stages with very diverse national talent. John Mayer, John Hiatt, The Flaming Lips, The Avett Brothers, Brett Dennon, Emmylou Harris, Barenaked Ladies, Patti Griffin, Yard Dogs Roadshow, Bela Fleck, Gaelic Storm, G. Love, Umphrey’s Mcgee, The Radiators, Junior Brown, Lyle Lovett, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Johnny Lang & Guster, to name a few.
Oakhurst has also shared the stage with future and current Colorado legends as well. The list includes Leftover Salmon, Yonder Mountain String Band, Devotchka, Rose Hill Drive, the Motet, Emmit –Nershi Band, Great American Taxi and band mentor Pete Wernick.