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. 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 are proud members of the 2026–2028 Texas Touring Roster, juried by the Texas Commission on the Arts. The Touring Roster is the TCA's list of artists selected by a statewide panel.
Texas presenters may qualify for grants covering up to 50% of our fee
One-hour bluegrass program for libraries, churches, museums & senior centers. Hot Pickin 57s presents High & Lonesome: A Journey Through Bluegrass Music, tracing the story of bluegrass through live music, storytelling and audience Q&A. Presenters may qualify for grant funding.
This project is supported in part by a Nexus Grant of Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment.
Assets
Press Photos
Primary, horizontal
Primary, square (1:1)
Portrait, vertical (4:5)
Wide, horizontal
Full length, vertical (4:5)
Concert hall, horizontal
These photos may be used to promote Hot Pickin 57s performances, with credit as noted. Photographer credit is also embedded in each file. Diana Ost’s watermark must remain on her images. For other sizes or formats, email booking@hotpickin.com.
Bio
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.
Based in Austin, Texas, the band reunited in 2016 after musical educations at Berklee, South Plains College, and Texas State. They've shared the stage with Sierra Hull, Beppe Gambetta, Alan Munde, Mark Cosgrove (David Bromberg), and Kym Warner (Robert Earl Keen, Greencards), and their CD Hot Picks, featuring Cindy Cashdollar, earned airplay on more than 40 radio stations across the US, Canada, and Europe.
Meet Our Musicians
Max Zimmet
Guitar / Mandolin
Berklee College of Music graduate. Livingston Taylor called Max's focus and musical energy "unique in the Berklee environment." Has shared the stage with Sierra Hull, Kym Warner, Mark Cosgrove (David Bromberg), and Beppe Gambetta.
Shawn Spiars
Banjo / Vocals
Earned a degree in Bluegrass Music from South Plains College. His banjo style draws from Earl Scruggs, Don Reno, and Alan Munde, blending tradition with his own musical voice.
Michael Montgomery
Fiddle / Vocals
Began with classical violin before immersing himself in Old Time and Bluegrass traditions. Has performed with Whit Smith's Hot Jazz Caravan, Alan Munde, and Billy Bright (Wood & Wire).
Vance Hazen
Upright Bass / Vocals
Music Performance graduate of Texas State University. Road-tested globally with the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, Rosie and the Ramblers, and others.
Festivals & Highlight Shows
| Northwestern Oklahoma State University Concert Series | Georgetown Palace Theater | Grapevine Sunset Concert Series (multiple years) |
| Stubbs SXSW Corporate Event (multiple years) | Tobin Center for the Performing Arts | Leander Bluegrass Festival (multiple years) |
| Grapefest Wine Festival (multiple years) | Deutschen Pfest (multiple years) | Luckenbach Texas |
| Coushatte Pickin' & Grinnin' Festival | Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival | Bluebonnet Trails Festival |
| Conspirare Benefit | Bastrop Summer in the City | Music In the Park Concert |
| Camp Street Café | Hillside House Concert (multiple years) | Texas Heritage Music Foundation House Concert (multiple years) |
Discography
The band's discography includes a self-titled debut CD, followed by Hot Picks, featuring Cindy Cashdollar.
Hot Picks CD
Debut CD
