Hot Pickin 57s

Austin Bluegrass Musicians: Rooted in Tradition

Hot Pickin 57s play the music America built, bluegrass, classic country, and Americana, drawn from the deep well of Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Bob Wills, Doc Watson, and Hank Williams, performed with the energy and precision of musicians who have spent their careers immersed in it.

Their sets blend well-known covers with original compositions, creating a sound that feels both familiar and alive. Whether on a festival main stage or an intimate listening room, they read the room and bring the crowd with them, the kind of band that turns first-time bluegrass listeners into lifelong fans.

Their discography includes a self-titled debut CD and Hot Picks, a follow-up featuring Cindy Cashdollar that earned radio airplay across the US, Canada, and Europe. They are available for festivals, concert series, listening rooms, house concerts, libraries, churches, schools, and community and non-profit events.

Meet Our Musicians

Based in Austin, Texas, the band members have deep roots in the Austin music scene, reuniting in 2016 after their musical educations at Berklee, South Plains College, and Texas State. They've played in well-known bands like the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, Whit Smith's Hot Jazz Caravan, and Rosie and the Ramblers. On stage, they've had the privilege of performing alongside artists such as Sierra Hull, Beppe Gambetta, Alan Munde, Mark Cosgrove (David Bromberg), Billy Bright (Wood & Wire), and Kym Warner (Robert Earl Keen, Greencards).

Shawn Spiars

Banjo / vocals

Shawn, our banjo and lead vocal standout, developed his skills while earning a degree in Bluegrass Music from South Plains College. His distinctive banjo style draws inspiration from legends like Earl Scruggs, Don Reno, and Alan Munde, blending tradition with his own musical voice. Shawn's deep connection to the music shines through in every performance, both in his playing and his singing.

Max Zimmet

Guitar / mandolin

Max earned his degree in guitar and mandolin performance at Berklee College of Music. Livingston Taylor said of Max: "He has an ability to focus that is unique in the Berklee environment. Musically, Max has a very compelling energy that holds an audience like a laser beam." Max has shared the stage with Sierra Hull, Kym Warner, Mark Cosgrove (David Bromberg), and Beppe Gambetta.

Michael Montgomery

Fiddle / vocals

Mike began his musical journey with classical violin before immersing himself in Old Time and Bluegrass traditions. His inventive improvisations, tight harmonies, and deep musicality consistently resonate with audiences. Over the years, he's performed with standout artists including Whit Smith's Hot Jazz Caravan, banjo legend Alan Munde, and mandolinist Billy Bright (Wood & Wire).

Vance Hazen

Upright bass / vocals

Vance earned his degree in Music Performance from Texas State University, where he developed the deep rhythmic foundation that anchors the band's sound. On upright bass, he's the engine that keeps Hot Pickin 57s tight and driving, equally at home locking in a shuffle groove or holding space for a slow ballad. He brings serious road mileage, having toured and performed globally with the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, Rosie and the Ramblers, and others.

Festivals & Highlight Shows