Hot Pickin 57s
“Y’all sounded amazing!”
“You were one of our best bands ever, and everyone will be talking about that performance!”
Get ready to have a blast with Hot Pickin 57s, Austin's favorite bluegrass & country band!
• Energetic and Fun 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, Bob Dylan, Bob Wills, Doc Watson, George Jones, Grandpa Jones, & others.
• Hot Pickin 57s is a four-piece acoustic band with guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and upright bass, along with lead and harmony vocals. We can also perform as a trio or a five-piece band.
• With a wealth of experience performing at corporate events, festivals, house concerts, weddings, libraries, non-profit events, listening rooms, and private parties, the Hot Pickin 57s will help make your event a success.
• Hot Pickin 57s is a Moontower Entertainment Artist.
Meet Our Musicians
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 and have had the privilege of performing alongside notable artists like Sierra Hull, Kym Warner, Alun Munde, Billy Bright (Wood & Wire), and Mark Cosgrove (David Bromberg).
Shawn Spiars
Banjo / vocals
Shawn Spiars, our banjo and lead vocal virtuoso, has been charming audiences for over three decades. He honed his chops while getting a degree in Bluegrass Music at South Plains College. His captivating banjo sound weaves together elements from legends like Earl Scruggs, Don Reno, and Alan Munde. Shawn’s deep love of the music is clearly evident to anyone who hears him play and sing.
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 with incredible talents like Sierra Hull, Kym Warner, Mark Cosgrove (David Bromberg), and Beppe Gambetta.
Michael Montgomery
Fiddle / Vocals
Michael Montgomery, the maestro of the fiddle, started his musical journey with classical violin before diving into Old Timey and Bluegrass music.
Audiences are captivated by his improvisations, great harmonies and phenomenal musicality. His impressive resume includes playing with Whit Smith's Hot Jazz Caravan, banjo legend Alun Munde and Billy Bright (Wood & Wire).
Vance Hazen
Upright Bass/ vocals
Vance Hazen 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.
Come see us at our next live performance in Austin or contact us today to book Hot Pickin 57s for your upcoming event. Let's make it a memorable one together!
Recent Festivals & Highlight Shows
Rodeo Austin *
Deutschen Pfest*
Camp Street Café
Conspirare Benefit
Grapefest Festival*
Leander Bluegrass Festival*
Bastrop Summer in the City
Stubbs SXSW Corporate Event
Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival
Grapevine Sunset Concert Series
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
Coushatte Pickin’ & Grinnin’ Festival
Music In the Park Concert (Pfluger Park)
Texas Heritage Foundation House Concert*
*multiple years
Band Photos
