Press Kit
“Y’all sounded amazing!”
“What a fantastic evening we had listening to Hot Pickin 57s. You guys were awesome. From your interaction with the crowd to the selection of original music and wonderful bluegrass and country standards. Looking forward to seeing HP 57s again in the near future.”
Hot Pickin 57s, Austin’s favorite bluegrass band, playing the Tommy Duncan/Bob Wills classic Time Changes Everything
Hot Pickin 57s Bio
Hot Pickin 57s play an energetic fun mix of Bluegrass, Classic Country, and Americana. Set lists typically include well-known covers along with original compositions. The band covers a diverse group of artists including 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, and Grandpa Jones, among others.
Whether performing at festivals or in intimate settings, Hot Pickin loves to establish a warm connection with their audience. They are available for festivals, house concerts, weddings, corporate events, private events, community events and listening- room venues. Hot Pickin can play as a trio, four-piece or five-piece ensemble.
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, Alan Munde, Billy Bright (Wood & Wire), Mark Cosgrove (David Bromberg) and Kym Warner.
Meet Our Musicians
• Max Zimmet (Guitar/Mandolin) 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.
• Shawn Spiars (Banjo & Lead Vocals) 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.
• Michael Montgomery (Fiddle/Vocals) 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) 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.
• Chris Teague (Guitar/Bass/Vocals) has a degree in music education from Texas State University. Has been teaching Elementary School Music for 20 years in New Braunfels. He has been a member in his family band, The Ledbetters, Hard to Make a Living, Grass Onion, Fluffers Union, Scott Biram & the Salt Peter Boys, The Christophers, and a frequent member of the Bluegrass Outfit.
Audio
Upcoming Shows
Discography
Hot Pickin 57s discography includes a self-titled debut CD, followed by "Hot Picks," featuring Cindy Cashdollar.
Hot Picks was selected for inclusion in
the Austin Public Library's Electric Lady Bird music collection.
Festivals & Highlight Shows
Rodeo Austin *
Grapefest Festival*
Conspirare Benefit
Stubbs SXSW Corporate Event
Coushatte Pickin’ & Grinnin’ Festival
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
Texas Heritage Foundation House Concert*
Dseutschen Pest*
Camp Street Cafe
HogEye Festival*
Fayetteville Art Walk*
Cotton Harvest Festival
Leander Bluegrass Festival*
Spicewood Arts RoundUp*
Bastrop Summer in the City
Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival
Grapevine Sunset Concert Series
*multiple years