About Hot Pickin 57s – Austin Bluegrass Musicians
“ I’ve worked with dozens of bands over the years, and no group nails it like the Hot Pickin 57s. Day of show they’re hassle free. During the performance they crush it with fun originals, spot-on classics, incredible talent, energized presence, and some jokes between songs to catch your breath. I literally couldn’t recommend them more.”
“You were one of our best bands ever, and everyone will be talking about that performance!”
Have a Blast With Hot Pickin 57s, Austin's Favorite Bluegrass & Country Band
• Fun, Energetic Mix of Bluegrass, Classic Country, and Americana Music
• Sets include well-known covers along with original compositions. Artists covered include Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Old Crow Medicine Show, Flatt & Scruggs, John Denver, Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams, John Hartford, Bob Wills, Doc Watson, and Grandpa Jones, among others.
• Whether performing at festivals or in intimate settings, Hot Pickin 57s love to establish a warm connection with their audience. They are available for listening-room venues, festivals, churches, libraries, house concerts, seniors, schools, and community and non-profit events.
• Their discography includes a self-titled debut CD, followed by "Hot Picks," which featured Cindy Cashdollar and received airplay on radio stations across the US and Canada.
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 “Max 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. To me, Max is the individual that makes Berklee such a special place.”
Max has shared the stage 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 graduated with a degree in Music Performance from Texas State University, and holds down the rhythm for the band on the upright bass.
Vance has some serious mileage under his belt, having played with bands all around the globe such as the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, Bob Appel, Amanda Cevallos, Devin Jake, and Rosie and the Ramblers.
Recent Festivals & Highlight Shows
Rodeo Austin*
Deutschen Pfest*
Camp Street Café
Conspirare Benefit
Hillside House Concert*
Grapefest Wine Festival*
Bluebonnet Trails Festival
Leander Bluegrass Festival*
Bastrop Summer in the City
Stubbs SXSW Corporate Event*
Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival
Grapevine Sunset Concert Series
Coushatte Pickin’ & Grinnin’ Festival
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
Doug Smith Performance Center Concert
Music In the Park Concert (Pfluger Park)
Texas Heritage Foundation House Concert*
*multiple years
