It all started in Athens, Ga., in 2001 during a most peculiar spell when just a handful of  bluegrass bands circulated the town.  The famous Athens, which had once spawned the B-52s, REM, Widespread Panic, and countless other indie, pop and punk acts, was now the home to a competing minority of bluegrass players. The Packway Handle Band emerged from this small scene, finding national acclaim first as finalists at the Telluride bluegrass competition in 2002 and 2003, then taking second place in 2004.  The band’s 2003 debut album, Chaff Harvest, was produced using prize awards from a local Battle of the Bands. The group was on a roll and has continued to win over fans, rack up awards, and perform alongside the likes of Ralph Stanley, Yonder Mountain Band, The Avett Brothers, and Uncle Earl.

In early 2006, the band went on the road fulltime, impressing audiences across the country with close four-part harmonies and their dance around two tightly-spaced condenser mics. The Packway Handle Band has emerged at the national forefront of bands that use this “gather around the mic” style, and the group’s second full length record, (Sinner) You Better Get Ready, was recorded this way. Theirs is not a mission to preserve historical styles -- it’s just how they do what they do the best. And what they do best is rooted in thought provoking songwriting, clever choice and arrangement of bluegrass traditionals, and totally unexpected covers, all delivered with a crackling energy. Band members include Tom Baker - banjo, vocals;  Josh Erwin - guitar, vocals; Andrew Heaton - fiddle, vocals; Zach McCoy - bass;  and Michael Paynter - mandolin, vocals. The group’s other recordings include Live in 2006 EP Extreme, What Are We Gonna Do Now?, and  Packway Handle Band.

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