Of Dirty Kitchens and Dishonest Fiddlers

HONESDALE — Two bluegrass bands will be making appearances at the Cooperage in Honesdale in March.

Since Frank Solivan left the cold climes of Alaska for the bluegrass hotbed of Washington, D.C., he has built a reputation as a monster mandolinist. Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen was voted Best Bluegrass Band in 2012, 2013, and 2015 by the Washington (D.C.) Area Music Association. Their 2014 album, "Cold Spell," was one of five albums nominated for Best Bluegrass Album in the 2015 Grammy Awards.

The band is now celebrating the release of their latest album, "Family, Friends, and Heros." The band is known for its rich vocals, and rip-roaring mandolin and banjo, and roof-raising vocals. Its members are: Frank Solivan, mandolin; Mike Munford, banjo; Jeremy Middleton, bass; and Chris Luquette, guitar. They all sing.

Their performance on March 13 is being presented by RiverFolk Concerts.

On March 18 the Cooperage presents the Dishonest Fiddlers, an emerging acoustic folk band from Northeastern Pennsylvania. Their off-the-cuff blend of homegrown music is influenced and inspired by both bluegrass and old style jug music.

Informed by the musical sensibilities of Dave Brown, the group came together in 2012 and quickly gained traction in the northeast region. The Dishonest Fiddlers recorded their first full length album last November. The band includes Dave Brown, guitar, harmonica, and vocals; Josh Kulick, banjo, dobro, and vocals; Patrick Casper; guitar and vocals; and Ron Penska, upright bass and train whistle.

And anyone who wants to play bluegrass is invited to an acoustic jam midweek, on March 18.

For more information call the Cooperage at 570-253-2020 or visit http://thecooperageproject.org.