Tonewood String Band

Tonewood String Band is an original bluegrass band based in Denver, CO. Founded in 2021, Tonewood has evolved from an improvisation-heavy jamgrass trio to a vocally driven original bluegrass phenomenon. Praised for their original songwriting, powerful three-part vocal harmonies, and incendiary instrumental solos, Tonewood is poised to elevate Colorado bluegrass. The group consists of George Sepmeier (violin, mandolin), Evan Shely (guitar), Elijah Donovan (banjo), Matt Thomas (upright bass) and Steve Lisi (percussion). Tonewood sounds utterly unique, without ever straying from that high lonesome sound. They embrace bluegrass tradition with soaring vocal harmonies, blistering instrumental fireworks, and ear-catching melodies. But they seamlessly blend in Middle Eastern melodies, Cajun rhythms, and impressive group improvisations, giving a voice to each band member's unique musical influences. The band has shared stages with The Fretliners, Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth, Twisted Pine and Tony Trischka's Earl Jam, and played Tico Time Bluegrass Festival and Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival. Their debut full-length album, Heart of the Pretender, was released November 22, 2025 on Blackstrap Records — produced by Tyler Grant at Swingfingers Studio in Fort Collins, Colorado, and funded by a 2024 Kickstarter campaign that raised more than $30,000 from fans. In autumn 2026 Tonewood plays three official showcases at the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble in Chattanooga and opens for Sam Bush and Leftover Salmon at the Boulder Theater.