Mike + Ruthy (of The Mammals)

Posted by TheGatheringSpace

The Mammals are folksingers Ruthy Ungar, Mike Merenda, and a cohort of compelling collaborators who form a touring quintet on the fiddle, banjo, guitar, organ, bass, and drums. Over the past 20 years, they have quietly composed a canon of original songs (“some of the best songwriting of their generation.” -LA Times) that both reflect our culture and offer a vision of how the world might yet be. “These days we sing about what we’re for over what we’re against,” says songwriter, Mike Merenda, and what they're for is "nothing short of sublime” according to Americana UK.

A rough and tumble decade in the '00s forged The Mammals' identity as "subversive acoustic traditionalists” (Boston Globe) or a "party band with a conscience." Re-emerging in 2017 from a hibernation period during which the band's founders explored new songwriting terrain, The Mammals “don’t suffer from multiple genre syndrome, they celebrate it as if gleefully aware that the sound barriers separating old-timey music, vintage pop, and contemporary folk are as permeable as cotton” (Washington Post). Their latest album, Nonet, "marshalls the defiant spirit needed to heal a damaged world" (No Depression). In 2023 they released a series of singles recorded at their own Humble Abode Music, as well as issuing bonus material from 2020’s landmark Nonet album.

Ruthy is the daughter of legendary fiddler, Jay Ungar, composer of the storied “Ashokan Farewell.” You can catch The Mammals semi-annually at The Hoot, a folk festival they curate and produce at The Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY.

“Hailed by many as Americana trailblazers and exuding togetherness on stage, [The Mammals] are also gently-mannered activists with well-crafted songs that successfully ask potent questions and raise issues to probe how we can improve the planet. They deliver their material persuasively and in an eloquent manner with enjoyment of their music underpinning the approach overall. The music is the motivator throughout.”
“One of New York State’s finest treasures.” - Americana UK

"Some of the best folk-rock music you will ever hear.” - TapeOp

“Some of the best songwriting of their generation.” - LA Times

"The Mammals aren’t the first band to mix an indie rock sensibility with bluegrass sounds but they’re gradually becoming one of the best.” - No Depression

“These two will shatter any preconceived stereotypical notions of what it means to be a folk musician.” - Coastal Journal

“Nonet marshals the defiant spirit needed to heal a damaged world” - No Depression

“The Mammals tell stories that are at once topical and timeless, bearing a message of hope and empowerment with a modern string-band sound.” - Freshgrass Festival

“In the vanguard of today’s vibrant folk revival.” - Popmatters
The Mammals are folksingers Ruthy Ungar, Mike Merenda, and a cohort of compelling collaborators who form a touring quintet on the fiddle, banjo, guitar, organ, bass, and drums. Over the past 20 years they have quietly composed a canon of original songs (“some of the best songwriting of their generation.” -LA Times) that both reflect our culture and offer a vision of how the world might yet be. “These days we sing about what we’re for over what we’re against,” says songwriter, Mike Merenda, and what they're for is "nothing short of sublime” according to Americana UK.

A rough and tumble decade in the 00's forged The Mammals identity as "subversive acoustic traditionalists” (Boston Globe) or a "party band with a conscience." Re-emerging in 2017 from a hibernation period during-which the band's founders explored new songwriting terrain, The Mammals “don’t suffer from multiple genre syndrome, they celebrate it as if gleefully aware that the sound barriers separating old-timey music, vintage pop and contemporary folk are as permeable as cotton” (Washington Post). Their latest album, Nonet, "marshalls the defiant spirit needed to heal a damaged world" (No Depression). In 2023 they released a series of singles recorded at their own Humble Abode Music, as well as issuing bonus material from 2020’s landmark Nonet album.

Ruthy is the daughter of legendary fiddler, Jay Ungar, composer of the storied “Ashokan Farewell.” You can catch The Mammals semi-annually at The Hoot, a folk festival they curate and produce at The Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY.

“Hailed by many as Americana trailblazers and exuding togetherness on stage, [The Mammals] are also gently-mannered activists with well-crafted songs that successfully ask potent questions and raise issues to probe how we can improve the planet. They deliver their material persuasively and in an eloquent manner with enjoyment of their music underpinning the approach overall. The music is the motivator throughout.”

“One of New York State’s finest treasures.” - Americana UK

"Some of the best folk-rock music you will ever hear.” - TapeOp

“Some of the best songwriting of their generation.” - LA Times

"The Mammals aren’t the first band to mix an indie rock sensibility with bluegrass sounds but they’re gradually becoming one of the best.” - No Depression

“These two will shatter any preconceived stereotypical notions of what it means to be a folk musician.” - Coastal Journal

“Nonet marshals the defiant spirit needed to heal a damaged world” - No Depression

“The Mammals tell stories that are at once topical and timeless, bearing a message of hope and empowerment with a modern string-band sound.” - Freshgrass Festival

“In the vanguard of today’s vibrant folk revival.” - Popmatters

Americana Trailblazers
Small Plates & Drinks Available
$30 / $22 for students & those w/low incomes

Call 360-705-2819 or come in for tickets and to make table reservations

Event Date
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Event time
7:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Cost / donation
$30 / $22 for students & those with low incomes
Contact
newtraditions33@gmai
l.com
Categories
Performances

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