Compost Mtn. Boys

The Compost Mountain Boys have been performing traditional bluegrass in Humboldt County, California since 1991, becoming a cornerstone of the local bluegrass scene. Based in the redwoods around Arcata/Fortuna, they blend traditional bluegrass with progressive and NorCal-tinged sounds, influenced by first-generation artists and 1960s progressive bands like The Dillards, with a repertoire of murder ballads, standards, originals and instrumentals often with playful Humboldt-themed rewrites such as their CAMP-inspired version of 'Dooley'. They are known for harmony-driven, energetic performances at festivals (CBA Festivals, Humboldt Folklife Festival, Redwood Coast Jazz Festival), farmers' markets, breweries like Mad River Tap Room, and private events rather than touring, with two CDs: 'Compost Live' (2000) and 'High on a Mountain' (2010). Longtime members include Bruce Johnson (bass), Tim Wilson (banjo), Mike 'Spumoni' Manetas (mandolin) and Marty Dodd (guitar), with special guest Tashina Clarridge on fiddle and founding member Sean Bohannon (duo with Wilson at Casa Que Pasa, Arcata in 1991-1992).