Blue Spruce Bluegrass Band from Kensington, MD

Hailing from the Washington, DC area, Blue Spruce delivers dynamic traditional, contemporary, and original bluegrass. Formed in 2010, Blue Spruce features Andrew Tontala (vocals, guitar), Barb Diederich (vocals, mandolin, bass), Shige Takeshita (vocals, banjo), Dave Goldman (fiddle), and two-time Bluegrass Hall of Fame inductee Tom Gray (vocals, bass, mandolin). Ranging in experience from Tom, with over six decades of playing bass, to Andrew, who took up the guitar during the Covid pandemic, all members of Blue Spruce share a deep passion for bluegrass music and its vibrant community. Their material is an eclectic mix ranging from timeless bluegrass classics like Bill Monroe and the Stanley Brothers to contemporary artists like Molly Tuttle and Billy Strings, along with heartfelt originals written by Barb and Tom, making their music accessible to both enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. Blue Spruce delivers crowd-pleasing performances tailored to a variety of events, from private parties and weddings to outdoor festivals and school programs. Known for their strong musicianship, tight harmonies, and engaging showmanship, the band consistently captivates audiences and earns praise for their professionalism, and has been described as “an ear-popping delight!” Blue Spruce is currently working on their first album, Dust in Blue.