BLUEGRASS MUSIC - CHICAGO STYLE!
A bit of Folk, a hint of Jazz, and a touch of Swing: Chicago Style Bluegrass at its finest!
Single vocal mic, well dressed, fast paced, with all the excitement of the early days of Bluegrass in our covers and our original material.
Truman's Ridge is a 5- piece band (upright bass, guitar, dobro, mandolin, and banjo) based in Sycamore, Illinois.
We play concerts, fairs, club venues, and private events. We also have a Gospel set available for church functions.
We offer a family - friendly show and are enjoyed by all ages.
Try something different today: hire Truman's Ridge bluegrass band for your upcoming festival/entertainment needs.
The band was fabulous! All of my guests loved the band and had nothing but praise! I would highly recommend them for any event. They played at our Art show event and it was incredible!
Truman's Ridge played for our 50th anniversary party. They made the party great, with their excellent music and friendly persona.
Truman's Ridge made my parent's Golden Anniversary party truly special. The music was fantastic, and what a nice group of guys! We danced and had a ball. I highly recommend them.
We hired Truman's Ridge to play at our parent's 50th wedding anniversary party held at the Stratford Inn in Sycamore. We found them online while searching for a local band to play; let me tell you, if you love Bluegarss, you'll love Truman's Ridge. Not only was the music great, but they were great to work with, professional, personable and passionate. It was a truly wonderful experience.
Price Range: $650 and up
Gig Length: 30 - 160 minutes
Languages: English
Truman’s Ridge is a regional band, playing festivals and venues throughout the Mid-West.
Organized in 2008, the band consists of four members: Bruce Wallace (banjo); Steve Sarver (guitar); Mark Fowler (mandolin); and Chris Johnson (upright bass). Truman’s Ridge is known for its classic style, high energy, and tight harmonies and instrumentation.
Truman's Ridge harmonies are varied, at times reminiscent of the early brother bands and at other times showing a strong rural-gospel influence in the 2, 3, and 4 part vocals. The lead vocals are always strong. Instrumentally the band continues to show the influence of Midwestern string band and Chicago jazz and blues on its interpretation of traditional bluegrass arrangements. The rock-solid beat of the guitar and bass compliment the driving rhythm of the banjo and the compelling mandolin lead breaks. Harmonica is also featured on some songs.
Truman’s Ridge has released four cds: TRU-BLUE, LONG WAY HOME, COLD COLD FEELING, and LOUISIANA SWING. Their songs are played on the radio and internet throughout the United States and in Europe.
Find out more about Truman’s Ridge at:
(link hidden)

Some Previous Venues:
Bluegrass Festivals:
Midsummer in The Northwoods - Manitowish Waters, WI
SPBGMA Spring Fest - Kirksville, MO
SPBGMA National Convention - Nashville, TN
East Troy Bluegrass Festival - East Troy, WI
NIBA Festival - Yorkville, IL
Thresherman’s Bluegrass Festival - Pontiac, IL
Ladies Of Bluegrass Festival - Green Bay, WI
Crazy Horse Festival - Ashland, IL
Shorty’s Bluegrass Festival - East Peoria, IL
SWBMAI Bluegrass Jamboree - Madison, WI
Wendall Hickox Memorial Festival - Casey, IL
Brooklyn Bluegrass Festival - Brooklyn, WI
Country Thunder - Twin Lakes, WI
Two Rivers Bluegrass Festival - Harrison, IL
Fairs and Community Events:
Kane County Fair - Saint Charles, IL
Walworth County Fair - Elkhorn, WI
Sandwich Fair - Sandwich, IL
TowerFest, Peoria Heights, IL
Summer Concert Series - DeKalb, IL
Summer Concert Series - Rockford, IL
Summer Concert Series - Wenona, IL
Summer Concert Series - Milton, WI
Summer Concert Series - Monroe, WI
Fall Concert Series - Harvard, IL
Fall Concert Series - Genoa, IL
Reviews:
“Truman's Ridge is the real deal! Their sound is soulful, authentic bluegrass with a perfect mix of vocals and instruments in harmony. They could jam at any type of event and make people feel good. They played at my party in Chicago and the crowd loved them. It was a pleasure to work with the group; nice guys and very professional. I would recommend Truman's Ridge without hesitation.”
“Truman's Ridge is a true crowd pleaser with their solid bluegrass style and harmonies! Each song keeps you wanting more, and they deliver!”
“Truman’s Ridge serves up a lightning-fast set of traditional bluegrass and gospel numbers.”
“A WONDERFUL evening of worship, fellowship and truly phenomenal music”
“unique sound ... real crowd pleasers”
“You all Rock! (in a bluegrass fashion)”
Truman’s Ridge is available for Weddings, Private Parties, and Club bookings. We also have a Bluegrass Program suitable for school and community groups and offer a Gospel concert.
Need electricity and at least 10' x 10' stage area.
Outdoors may require shelter/cover in case of inclement weather. If we are providing sound we will need access to the venue at least 90 minutes prior to the performance.
| September 05, 2015 • 8:00pm - 10:30pm | Other |
Howling at the Moon
Truman's Ridge *
Little Maggie
Louisiana Swing *
Dark as the Night
Fox on the Run
Pruschnya *
Blue and Lonesome
Windy City
Walking the Dog
Truman's Run *
Folsom Prison Blues
The Old Crossroad
Wagon Wheel
Red Hen Boogie
* Original Band Compositions
| Mark Fowler | Mandolin & Tenor Vocals |
| Bruce Wallace | Banjo, Harmonica, & Baritone Vocals |
| Steve Sarver | Guitar & Lead Vocals |
| Chris Johnson | Upright Bass & Tenor Vocal |
Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, Stanley Brothers, The Band, Grateful Dead, Ricky Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder, the Dillards, Grascals, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Electricity
Stage Area (may be floor level)
Bottled Water
Denver, CO 
Singing Guitarist
47 Verified Bookings Tiffany K. B. said “Jonathan was amazing. He is super talented- knows 500 plus songs of many genres. He has the best personality and delivers his music in a fun, entertaining,…”
Portland, ME
Singing Guitarist
67 Verified Bookings Tammy B. said “Bob was awesome! So many of my party guests were impressed. Super talented and nice guy. I am definitely going to book him again.”
Lyons, IL
Celtic Music
2 Verified Bookings Katie W. said “Liz and Anna are fantastic! The children loved their music, and they had so much fun. We would absolutely welcome them back to our school. Thank you!”
Round Lake, IL
Folk Band
Lucky Pickers is an acoustic folk duet from Northern Illinois composed of acclaimed singer/songwriters Despina Pafralides and Caleb Peters. When they are not touring…
List your services
Log In
