Biography

Barbaro is a Minnesota based progressive Bluegrass band. Their music is at once lively and intimate, perfect for twirling around the dance floor or cooking with someone you love. The Minneapolis-Winona quartet have built momentum around their dynamic sound, each set flowing naturally between energetic jams and contemplative interludes. Their upcoming album, due out January 2020, showcases their captivating songwriting, layered over textures pulled from bluegrass, jazz, pop, and country-western.

Barbaro has performed at premier Midwest music festivals including Blue Ox, Boats & Bluegrass, and MBOTMA. In 2018, the band released their first EP and claimed two contest wins, at the John Hartford Memorial Festival Band Contest and MBOTMA’s Americana Roots Band Contest.

PRESS...

“When I listen to Barbaro I find myself leaning in to the sound… trying to figure out where this unique blend came from, and where it’s going next!” -Mike Pengra, Radio Heartland

“Barbaro budge beyond the bounds of bluegrass.” -The Current

“2018 was a year of acceleration for Barbaro as a band, and they don’t have plans to slow down anytime soon. “ -Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine

“Fast rising Minnesota newgrassers... features fleet-fingered playing (expected), and also a gift for dynamics and restraint (not always a bluegrass hallmark). -Isthmus

“Barbaro use a traditional bluegrass stage to create new tunes that blend newgrass, country and jazz styles.” -Wisconsin Public Radio