Tonewood String Band

Tonewood String Band

A New Tradition in Colorado Bluegrass

Tonewood String Band is reinventing what it means to be “Colorado Bluegrass.” Their performance embraces traditional bluegrass roots with soaring vocal harmonies, blistering instrumental fireworks, and ear-catching melodies. But they augment all this with Middle Eastern melodies, Cajun rhythms, and impressive group improvisations, giving a voice to each band member’s unique musical influences.

The result? Tonewood sounds utterly unique, without ever straying from that high lonesome sound.

Based in Denver, CO, the band consists of George Sepmeier (fiddle, mandolin), Evan Shely (guitar), Elijah Donovan (banjo), Matt Thomas (upright bass), and Steve Lisi (cajon). Sepmeier, Shely, and Lisi form the vocal core of the group, though all five members are strong singers. This wealth of vocal talent adds variety to each show, keeping listeners engaged. 

Formed in 2021, Tonewood released their debut full-length album, Heart of the Pretender, in November of 2025. The band shares songwriting and arranging duties, with Sepmeier and Shely penning most of the original material. The album was produced by renowned guitarist Tyler Grant, who found a lot to like about this young band.

Tonewood String Band is constantly broadening their touring radius, and has performed at popular events including the Palisade Bluegrass Festival (CO), Tico Time Bluegrass Festival (NM), and Oyster Ridge Music Festival (WY). As direct support, they’ve shared the stage with Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Twisted Pine, and Arkansauce.

Colorado is famous for pioneering the jamgrass genre, but it’s also currently putting out some of the best traditional bluegrass bands in the nation–Tonewood among them. In fact, they might be the state’s best-kept musical secret… but not for long!