February 17th, 2020 11pm Stage 1
Celebrating Rockwood Music Hall’s 15-Year Anniversary!
Alex Hargreaves
Described as “one of the greatest improvising violinists in America today” by virtuoso mandolinist/composer Mike Marshall, Alex Hargreaves is a violinist equally at home playing bluegrass, jazz and everything in between. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Alex has toured with Jerry Douglas, David Grisman, Bela Fleck, Danilo Perez and has performed with many others including Punch Brothers, Sierra Hull, Steve Martin and Kacey Musgraves, appearing on her Saturday Night Live debut. He was a member of the Grammy award-winning Turtle Island Quartet from 2016–2019, appearing on their 2018 release, Bird’s Eye View, and can often be heard playing in the house band on the public radio variety show, Live From Here with Chris Thile.
At age 17, Alex, along with bassist Paul Kowert (Punch Brothers), teamed with Mike Marshall to form The Big Trio, performing together extensively following the release of their self-titled album in 2009. From 2007–2014, he toured with Grammy-nominated singer/multi-instrumentalist, Sarah Jarosz, appearing on her three critically acclaimed albums, Song Up In Her Head, Follow Me Down and Build Me Up From Bones, as well as being featured on her Grammy-nominated instrumental, Mansinneedof. Alex released his debut album Prelude in 2010, featuring Mike Marshall, Grant Gordy and Paul Kowert, along with special guests Bela Fleck and Noam Pikelny. In reference to Alex’s playing on the album, David Grisman says “[Alex] plays with wit, authority and soulfulness belying his years. In my opinion, he's destined to be one of the fiddle giants of the 21st century.”
Alex was awarded the Jimmy Lyons full tuition scholarship to the Berklee College of Music at the 2010 Monterey Jazz Festival. While studying at Berklee, Alex completed the prestigious Global Jazz Institute, providing him with the opportunity to work one-on-one with artistic director Danilo Perez (Wayne Shorter Quartet), along with countless other jazz legends. During this time, Alex also toured with Perez and recorded on his album, Panama 500.
Currently on faculty at The New School, Alex is an experienced music educator, having taught at a variety of music camps and workshops including the Mark O’Connor Fiddle Camp, Swannanoa Gathering, Augusta Heritage, Christian Howes’ Creative Strings Workshop and the Mike Block String Camp. He also teaches privately in Brooklyn and via Skype. With a strong emphasis on ear training, Alex helps his students find their own way of learning and staying inspired, while still respecting the traditions and contributions of those who set the groundwork for the music we play today.
Mike Barnett
Mike’s 2017 release of “Portraits In Fiddles” was nominated for a GRAMMY Award in 2018.
Mike's based in Nashville, TN and currently holds the fiddle chair in Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. He’s been a touring member of Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys, the David Grisman Quintet, Tony Trischka & Territory, the Bryan Sutton Band, and has shared the stage/recorded with many more amazing musicians. Mike also teaches lessons and is accepting students in person and via Skype, and is also available for show bookings in support of his albums “Portraits In Fiddles” and “One Song Romance.”
"Mike Barnett is a first-class fiddle player and all-around musician. He's got the chops and knows how to use them, but he also has something to say, and that's a rare quality in music these days." -David "Dawg" Grisman