The Bowling, Grisman, Flansburg Trio Set Bay Area Date

The Bay Area music scene will witness a fresh collaboration this December as pianist Holly Bowling, bassist Sam Grisman, and singer-songwriter Max Flansburg join forces for a trio debut. Their inaugural live performance is scheduled for December 4 at The Freight in Berkeley, California, marking a significant moment for the three musicians and their fans.

This newly formed ensemble arises shortly after Bowling and Grisman participate in Bill Kreutzmann’s annual A Very Grateful Thanksgiving event in Hawaii, an occasion that underscores their continued engagement with prominent figures in the jam band and improvisational music communities. The trio’s upcoming appearance at The Freight is set to showcase a blend of their individual artistry within an intimate and acoustically rich setting.

Sam Grisman, who has deep roots in the Bay Area’s vibrant music history, expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with his collaborators in a familiar venue. He reminisced about his early experiences performing at the original Freight & Salvage, a foundational space for folk and bluegrass music. The current location, known for its welcoming atmosphere and quality instruments, including a finely maintained piano suited to Bowling’s virtuosity, offers an ideal environment for the trio’s exploratory sound.

Holly Bowling’s pianistic style, recognized for its intricate and emotive interpretations, complements Grisman’s bass work and Flansburg’s guitar and vocal contributions. Together, they aim to delve into dynamic improvisations and revisit favored compositions, creating a unique sonic experience that reflects their shared musical journeys and mutual respect.

Before the December debut, Bowling will engage audiences in San Francisco with two Halloween-themed performances at The Chapel on October 30 and 31. These shows feature a diverse lineup of guest artists and thematic programming, highlighting Bowling’s versatility and her connections within the local music community.

Simultaneously, Sam Grisman continues to maintain a steady presence on the live circuit. His current project, the Sam Grisman Project, is performing at Infinity Hall in Hartford, Connecticut, demonstrating his active engagement across different regions and musical contexts.

Details regarding the full setlist or potential future collaborations involving the trio remain limited at this time. However, the combination of Bowling’s keyboard expertise, Grisman’s bass foundation, and Flansburg’s songwriting and guitar work promises a compelling addition to the Bay Area’s rich tapestry of live performances.

This trio’s emergence contributes to an ongoing trend of genre-crossing collaborations that emphasize improvisation, technical skill, and heartfelt musical expression. Fans and newcomers alike can anticipate a concert marked by both spontaneity and careful craftsmanship, set against the backdrop of one of Northern California’s esteemed music venues.

The event underscores the enduring vitality of the Bay Area as a hub for innovative and collaborative music-making. As these three artists converge, their joint endeavor not only celebrates their individual talents but also the spirit of community and shared creativity that defines the region’s artistic landscape.