Who is Cream City?

Today’s favorite label for bluegrass is “traditional.” But for the generation that founded bluegrass, it wasn’t a tradition – it was an innovation. The Cream City Bluegrass Band strives to do justice to the music we love by respecting its tradition and carrying on its spirit of innovation.

Our music is rooted in the tunes and songs that defined the sound of the first generation – Bill Monroe instrumentals, Jimmy Martin barn-burners and Stanley Brothers harmonies. But we also work hard to present the best of contemporary bluegrass, like Tim O’Brien and Nickel Creek.

Our instrumentation is traditional: fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass. But our collective experience playing styles from classical and jazz to Cajun and Irish to swing and punk helps us bring other traditions to bear on the music that brought us together. We aim for an instrumental sound distinguished by a strong rhythmic drive and a creative approach to improvisation, in addition to traditional hot picking.

Our vocals are definitely traditional – we work hard on our arrangements, and aim to recreate in our harmonies the authentic sounds of “brother duets” and a capella gospel songs. But we push boundaries here too – with four members who each sing at least two different parts, at any Cream City show you’re likely to hear ten different vocal groupings.

Since our inception in 2006, Cream City has always sought to “put the music first” and demonstrate a respect and enthusiasm for bluegrass at our shows. We’re grateful for all our opportunities to share the music we love with audiences in southeastern Wisconsin and beyond.

Cream City proudly endorses Black Diamond Strings.

Cream City would like to thank Mark Hertzberg for the photos used in the design of this site.