ABOUT DEEP ELEM

A mix of traditional bluegrass, revved up old-time, and a few early country crooners, Deep Elem's material resonates with listeners young and old. From Annie’s beaming smile to Billy’s brooding intensity, it’s clear that their brand of bluegrass doesn’t lack for passion, and it comes across in every performance.

The Band

Young fiddle phenom Annie Staninec has been captivating audiences the world over with her fiery fiddle playing, exuberant stage presence, and seemingly endless enthusiasm. Annie earmarks the band with her own exciting brand of bluegrass and old-time fiddling, and also sings lead and tenor harmonies.

With a voice soulful enough for a Memphis honkytonk and powerful enough to bring in ships lost at sea, Billy Pitrone is the anchor for Deep Elem, providing the lead vocal and a “take no prisoners” attitude on the bluegrass rhythm guitar. Billy’s voice has been the centerpiece for bands of all styles for over 30 years, and he sings it like he feels it.

No stranger to a bluegrass stage, John Kael has been playing mandolin, guitar, banjo or bass in various bluegrass bands across the country for the last 20 years, and is an IBMA Award winning bluegrass songwriter. In Deep Elem he alternates between banjo and mandolin, sings lead and baritone, and keeps the show flowing with his radio-smooth emcee work.

Sarah Eblen’s sweet voice lends a friendlier facet to the ruffian gang, and her solid rhythmic bass playing could rouse even the most reticent toe to tapping. She sings lead and tenor harmony, shares in the emcee work, and with her keen eye for details generally keeps this band within the rails.