Live Music: Coal Creek String Band

Coal Creek String Band is a collective of musicians from different bluegrass and old time bands in the Front Range. You’re almost guaranteed to see them with a different roster at every show. This massive pool of talents draws from every genre across the Americana spectrum. You may witness traditional, hard-driving bluegrass or a romping Old Time performance with multiple fiddlers. The next show may feature elements of jam band improvising or a healthy dose of Irish jigs. Either way, you’re sure to experience music imbibed with the rich traditions of Appalachia.

The group is organized by multi-instrumentalist Brett Kretzer. Brett grew up in the rolling Appalachian hills of the mid-atlantic and was steeped in the local tradition from an early age. As an adult, he has spent countless hours around campfires sipping moonshine and sharing tunes with Appalachian old timers. As these authentic mountain experiences morphed into a professional career, he found himself touring up and down the entire Appalachian corridor, from Georgia to Maine, with progressive bluegrass band The Plate Scrapers. Over the years he has had the privilege of sharing the stage with bluegrass legends such as The Seldom Scene, Larry Keel, Frank Solivan, and more. More recently, Brett’s love of the mountains has led him to the Rockies where he hopes to spread his love for Appalachian bluegrass and old time mountain music.