Palmetto Blue

Our shows are sure to entertain you, and you will hear old favorites, lively old fiddle and banjo tunes that will make you want to get up and dance and tap your feet, old time country numbers, a capella trio songs, and new favorites as well.

Palmetto Blue was formed by a group of seasoned musicians from the midlands of South Carolina with a common vision: to bring quality bluegrass music to the public, with an emphasis on the traditional bluegrass style. Our shows are sure to entertain you, and you will hear old favorites, lively old fiddle and banjo tunes that will make you want to dance and tap your feet, old time country songs, a capella trio songs, and new favorites as well.

Our band members are no strangers to the traditional music scene. In the 1970s, Chris Boutwell was the lead singer and guitarist for the band High Country, which was the premier bluegrass band on the west coast and recorded several LPs in the early 1970s on the Warner Brothers label. You will be challenged to find someone who knows the lyrics to more bluegrass songs than Chris. Chris plays mandolin true to the tradition and style of the father of bluegrass, Bill Monroe. He also knows the history behind the songs he sings, and will give you a bluegrass history lesson if you're interested. Chris is the 2014 recipient of South Carolina's Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award for his contributions to the preservation of bluegrass music. Shellie Davis has been playing the bass and singing in bluegrass bands since she was 8 years old, and will delight you with her sweet vocals. Anna Davis has been playing the guitar and banjo and singing in bluegrass bands since she was 13 years old, and has written a number of original songs. She won the 2008 banjo competition at the Congaree Bluegrass Festival. Steve Willis plays the banjo in the solid Scruggs style tradition. He learned banjo licks as a teenager from Little Roy Lewis, and won numerous banjo contests during his teens. Ashley Carder learned from local SC fiddlers including Pappy Sherrill and Vernon Riddle, and has been playing a driving style of old time and bluegrass fiddle for over 30 years. Ashley was the 2012 recipient of South Carolina's Folk Heritage Award and has been a member of numerous bluegrass and old time groups over the years, including South Carolina bluegrass ambassador Bill Wells' band.

Palmetto Blue has played for private parties, bluegrass shows, national and international conferences, university folklore classes, city festivals, and more. You will not be disappointed by a Palmetto Blue show!