Higher Ground Bluegrass

"We like to brainstorm the personal side and bring it out in our music, so other people relate to it and feel like you've written a song just for them. That's what I enjoy about the writing side, but it takes time to learn how to do it."

Higher Ground Bluegrass (HGB) has established itself as a premier Bluegrass band in New Mexico.
Founded by “Duke” Weddington (Banjo, Guitar, Vocals) in 1998, HGB is now venturing into their 25th
year as a musical ensemble. Band members include Dave Devlin (Mandolin, Resophonic Guitar), Pat
Mahoney (Fiddle, Vocals), Laura Leach-Devlin (Bass, Vocals), Ben Monroe (Guitar, vocals). Performing
original material penned by members of the group, the band also plays a variety of traditional and
contemporary selections influenced by the American traditions of folk, bluegrass, Celtic, country, and
rock ‘n roll. Their philosophy remains one of developing dynamic arrangements of their original
material, as well as lesser known songs, and adding something new and unique to standard bluegrass
tunes to make them their own. With four members providing vocal contributions, the swapping of lead
and harmonies offers something new and appealing for each song in their repertoire. HGB has
recorded nine independent albums: Black and White – Faded and Torn (2001); People, Places,
Memories (2003); Miles and Miles (2008); Bluegrass Classics (2013); HGB V (2016); CLANN (2017),
HGB20 (2018 – 20th Anniversary Album); Auburn Sky (2019); and Blue & Gray (2023 – 25th Anniversary
Album). HGB has been awarded 5 New Mexico Music Awards (2004, 2017, 2018, 2019) for their
original music. HGB has opened for Peter Rowan, Tim O’Brien, Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, Jim
Lauderdale, and The Infamous Stringdusters. The band served as the Host Band for the Southwest
Pickers Annual Bluegrass and Traditional Music Festival, from 2017 to 2021. HGB extends boundaries
with a superb blend and interpretation of Bluegrass.

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