JACKSON, Wyo. — Much like Americana, the bluegrass genre has become an amalgam beyond its country and blues roots into jamband, rock, funk and even (gasp) electrified instruments and drum kits. “Bluegrass Tuesday” at the Wort is evidence of that movement, long extending beyond the evening’s signature calling. It doesn’t seem to bother the faithful swing dance connoisseurs, though occasionally a band like Laney Lou & the Bird Dogs bring a more roots-based show to the Silver Dollar Showroom.
Based in Bozeman, some may recognize the quintet from last summer’s Targhee Bluegrass Festival. They’re comprised of singers Lena Schiffer (guitar, washboard, stomp box), Matt Demarais (banjo, dobro, guitar), Brian Kassay (fiddle, mandolin, harmonica), and Josh Moore (guitar) along with bassist Ethan Demarais. For the most part, the group brings high-octane stompgrass, pushing the tempo of traditional folk, blues and country with four-part vocal harmony. They recently released a debut studio album of original material, Sweet Little Lies, which follows two live albums—The Vigilante Session (2017) and Laney Lou & the Bird Dogs (2016).
For a glimpse into the live show, check out their January 2019 session below from the Montana-based PBS series “11th and Grant.”
Laney Lou & the Bird Dogs perform 7:30–11 p.m. on Tuesday at the Silver Dollar Showroom. Free. WortHotel.com.
