Hot Pickin 57s EPK – Austin Bluegrass, Country & Americana Band
“ 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.”
“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 Bio
Hot Pickin 57s play an energetic fun mix of Bluegrass, Classic Country, and Americana. 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.
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).
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
• 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.
Audio
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*
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