Pete Smith Banjo

No matter what band Pete is providing, you can expect Bluegrass infused with Rock & Roll, Jazz, Gypsy Jazz, and Folk all wrapped up into one show. We play pop covers and can style the set however you would like from straight bluegrass to more wedding band material.

Banjoist, singer, songwriter and Chicagoan Pete Smith is an energetic, progressive 5-string player specializing in the three-finger Scruggs style. Smith began his music training at age 18 under Grammy-nominated Greg Cahill at Chicago’s acclaimed Old Town School of Folk Music. Smith has since developed a style rooted in the rich traditions of banjo while bringing in new musical ideas to captivate audiences across the region.
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Smith plays with regional acts such as Growler, The Leadfoot Band and The Grateful String Band. He most recently recorded and performed with Grammy winner Jim Peterik, co-founder and frontman of the bands Survivor, The Ides of March, Pride of Lions and World Stage. Smith has played Peterik’s top hits “Eye of The Tiger,” “Vehicle,” “Hold On Loosely” and other familiar songs on stage with the singer in his band, Jim Peterik & The Stormchasers which still performs today.

Smith has also shared the stage and performed alongside Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Don Stiernberg, Robbie Fulks, Chicago, Tony Furtado, Greg Cahill & Special Consensus, Jeff Austin, Elephant Revival, Greensky Bluegrass, Larry Keel, Roland White, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, The SteelDrivers, The Emmitt Nershi Band, Aaron Neville & Dumpstaphunk, Dawes, The Revivalists, Leroy Bach of Wilco and several others.
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While staying true to his bluegrass roots, Smith drives the five-string banjo into uncharted areas with a deep passion for writing music and performing live. Fans of bluegrass, rock, folk, country and more will find a like-minded spirit and sound in Pete Smith.