After spending most of my adult life in America I have returned to my home town of Denton near Manchester to be close to my family. My mom was a singer and I followed in her footsteps. I have recorded 4 cds of both covers and originals. I have also recorded harmonies on a number of studio albums. My influences are quite varied Nat King Cole, John Martyn. Matt Monroe Everly Brothers, Bridget St John, Todd Rundgren, Loggins and Messina, Eagles, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Sting, k d Lang, David Gray, Jamie Cullum, Vienna Teng, Dougie Maclean, Martin Joseph, Birds of Chicago, Joan Armatrading, Labbi Siffre, dusty springfield, Genesis and both Phil & Peter) Bonnie Rait, Sam Cooke, Josh Groban, Elton, nick Drake, zombies

It’s Matt Mahern and Constitution‘s ‘devil may care’ ease that makes crowds kick off their shoes and let loose. But it’s their warmth, honesty, and mastery of the Americana genre that pulls listeners in and keeps them there. Their sound draws from quintessential American traditions – country, folk, and rock – with a heavy dose of bluegrass to drive the point home. With the ability to entertain a late night crowd or a family-friendly daytime event, Constitution has charmed audiences at festivals such as FoCoMX, New West Fest, Taste of Fort Collins, Bark and Bluegrass Festival, and at the Mishawaka Amphitheater.

Matt Mahern and Constitution formed in 2009. After the disbanding of the local favorite “Motorhome,” three of its members (Matt, Darren, and Ben) along with their friend and drummer (Pete) found a new musical home in Constitution. With Matt’s songwriting, they entertained audiences as a four-piece acoustic ensemble. Two years later, they released their first album “Wrestling with the Daylight”, which was the top-playing album on KRFC Radio in November 2011. A few months down the road, the band slightly altered their sound when Pete stepped away and Ansel stepped in on dobro.

In recent days, the band has morphed into a conglomeration of various local artists. The songs are the same but the instruments and the players may change from show-to-show. You could catch a six-piece band, a solo act or a four-piece acoustic set. Below is a running list of musicians you might find on stage with Matt. You might not know what players you’ll see on stage but with Matt Mahern and Constitution, you can always expect a good old time.

    Matt Mahern – guitar, lead vocals, songwriting
    Darren Radach (of the Matt Skinner Band & Highway 287) – mandolin, drums
    Ben Prytherch (of Mama Lenny and the Remedy) – upright bass
    Peter Knudson – drums
    Ansel Foxley (of Patti Fiasco Band) – dobro
    Adam Bodine (of Adam Bodine Trio) – keyboards and melodica
    Joe Prinzivalli (formerly of Futaba) – bass guitar
    Amanda Hoefer (of Mama Lenny and the Remedy) – backup vocals

You can also currently find Matt on stage with the soulful rock-n-roll styled “Lindsey O’Brien Band“, the fiery duo of “Ginger Whale“, and the 80s tribute band “The Velvet Rope“.

Mark Ransom is following