Hailing from San Francisco, The Vivants find their musical faith in the inspiring traditions of Southern music and showmanship. On the band’s most recent album, Bluegrass Special, the quartet sought to feature an instrument not often heard in classic bluegrass: the accordion! As avid fans of the first generation of Bill Monroe’s “Bluegrass Boys,” – specifically the ensemble that featured Sally Ann Forrester on accordion – the title track, Bluegrass Special, is all about the squeezebox! This instrumental tune sets the tone for the album which draws from a deep well of bluegrass and old-time gospel music.
Emulating the recording and mixing process of classic bluegrass releases of the 1940s and 50s, The Vivants recorded and mixed Bluegrass Special LIVE at Sonoma County’s, Prairie Sun Recording Studio in Cotati, CA in 2015.
The Vivants include San Francisco-based, Emily Bonn on lead vocals & guitar, Clare Armenante on fiddle & vocals, James Touzel on upright bass, clarinet & vocals, and Sonoma County’s local extraordinaire, Kalei Yamanoha, on piano accordion..
The band’s live performances include a mix of western swing and cajun dance tunes, old-time & classic bluegrass and country.
This will be The Vivants first time performing at the Cotati Accordion Festival and they are honored to be part of the festival’s 26th year!
