Grass Valley
Grass Valley is a Hudson Valley bluegrass supergroup. Convened by HVBA president David Chernack, Grass Valley features veteran bluegrassers from different corners of the regional scene to take on hard-driving, mash-tastic bluegrass repertoire. Inspired by Union Station, IIIrd Tyme Out, Lonesome Standard Time, and Newfound Road, Grass Valley's tight harmonies and driving instrumentals are a sight to behold. Grass Valley features Too Blue's Joan Harrison on banjo, New Breaks's Jim Sullivan on bass, HVBA board member Ali Krayer on mandolin, Strawberry Hill Fiddlers director Chelsea Needham on fiddle, and County Line Bluegrass's David Chernack on guitar.
The Band
David Chernack: Mandolin, Fiddle, Guitar, Vocals
Born and raised in Hyde Park, David started his bluegrass journey with the Strawberry Hill Fiddlers—same as Chelsea!—and since has gone on to join a broad array of bluegrass acts, including Long Steel Rail, Strawberry Wine, County Line Bluegrass, New Breaks, Too Blue, and more. David plays fiddle, mandolin, guitar and bass, and as president of the HVBA, David is deeply committed to expanding bluegrass in the Hudson Valley.
Jim Sullivan: Bass, Vocals
Jim hails from Rosendale, NY and has been playing bass with a number of bands for the last 20 years. His philosophy is “just hit the big, fat notes” and that seems to keep other band members happy. Getting to play with Fresh Grass is a thrill and a half.
Ali Krayer: Mando
Ali Krayer started her journey in music
as a drummer in high school playing dive bars, the Kennedy Center, and everything in between. Over time she fell in love with the mandolin and Bluegrass music and has made it her main focus. She found her home in the Hudson Valley Bluegrass scene and is honored to be a member of Grass Valley.
Joan Harrison: Banjo
As the lead singer for the bluegrass/swing band Too Blue, Joan Harrison is a strong and compelling vocalist. A student of Tony Trischka, her melodic banjo technique is creative, graceful, and at home within a wide range of genres. Her influences include Tony, Bela Fleck, Alison Brown, and a very long list of established and up and coming players. She loves being a part of the regional bluegrass scene and feels it’s a fantastic time to be a banjo player, in spite of the overabundance of jokes.
Chelsea Needham: Fiddle
Chelsea Needham is a professional Violinist, Violist, and Fiddler holding degrees in music education and performance. She is dedicated to combining her passion for education and traditional folk music by performing and teaching all over the world. She has studied and taught many different styles of fiddling and traditional music throughout the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, and India.