Billy Gilmore and Friends

Billy Gilmore was one of those bluegrass instrument prodigies, the kind of kid who learned the five-string banjo when he was seven, and never stopped. He is the definition of a multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar in this video, and keyboards in that one. He has played bluegrass, swing, and jazz with several impressive groups, including Brittany Reilly and the Almost Acoustic Band, the Bluegrass Travelers, and Crazy Fingers. Billy is the band leader and frontman for The Grass Is Dead, a band that adds a decidedly bluegrass twist to songs by the Grateful Dead. 

When Billy isn't touring with The Grass is Dead, he keeps busy with gigs with other bands, and by playing with several musicians and friends, often under the appropriate name, Billy Gilmore and Friends. 

Billy Gilmore and Friends give bluegrass new life in what someone called "progressive bluegrass." When Billy Gilmore and friends are playing, you might hear a guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, saxophone, keyboards, and drums. Billy could (and may) play any of them, but most often he is on guitar or banjo, standing up to the microphone and taking the vocal lead in a song.