The Mammals (1)

Americana trailblazers, The Mammals, bring indie grit, earthy soul, and boldly political stringband attitude to the stage – and a solid gold pedigree that has been earned for all the right reasons.

Over a decade ago, during The Mammals’ first incarnation (which featured founding member Tao Rodriguez-Seeger), the Washington Post described them as, “gleefully aware that the sound barriers separating old-timey music, vintage pop and contemporary folk are as permeable as cotton.”

The band was always known for trademark rabble-rousing musical statements which sometimes caused a stir with politically divided audiences from Louisiana to Michigan. “If you tell the whole truth you won’t please everyone,” admits frontman and guitarist Mike Merenda whose 2004 Mammals’ staple The Bush Boys made the Dixie Chicks seem downright polite.

During a “hibernation” period, those who kept the individual members on their radar were rewarded with an exceptional album, Bright As You Can from The Mike + Ruthy Band, which won a lot of media attention. That line-up came over The Atlantic for main stage shows at Celtic Connections, Summertyne Americana and Cambridge Folk Festivals in 2016.

Now, re-emerging (personnel little changed) as The Mammals once more, their intent is to raise social awareness, have a good party and bring people together to a place of joy-inspired positivity.