Cassiopeia

Rick Fire and The Ricktones are bringing acoustic music to a new level. Driven by banjo and electric bass, the blend of instruments and arrangements is fueled by musical conversations and high-level improvisation. Rooted in bluegrass, Celtic and funk music, elements of jazz, rock, classical, blues, and gospel are also present throughout and woven together by an immovable and solid state stone groove.  “A musician defying what you might think you know about the banjo and has formed a band that will set you ablaze!” Peter Hamelin, Signature Sounds


The group brings an undeniable upbeat energy to their performances with the dynamic rise and fall of their individual jaw-dropping instrumental mastery.  Enhancing the vibrancy and virtuosic picking further is their heart-felt, heart-churning delivery of song through harmony of voice, all collectively underpinned by the group’s immaculate sense of rhythm.  Pizzazz, humor and a sense for theatrics make each performance an unforgettable show.


At the center of the music is Ricky Mier, an award-winning banjo player, composer and Alumnus of Berklee College of Music, who also co-founded Twisted Pine, Cat And The Moon and was a member of Hot Day At The Zoo. Mier is winner of the gold medal at the 2014 Freshgrass Banjo Contest and with his band Twisted Pine has won band contests at Freshgrass, Thomas Point Beach and tied for first place at Rocky Grass.  


Mier has performed on the main stages of other major festivals such as Grey Fox, Celtic Connections (Scotland), The Green River Festival, and Joe Val.  Mier has performed with Bela Fleck and Victor Wooten and has shared the stage with acoustic heavy weights such as The Punch Brothers, Peter Rowan, Alison Brown, Hot Rize, The Gibson Brothers, New Riders Of The Purple Sage, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Sam Bush Band, Del McCoury Band, Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, and more. 


Driven at his core by the expression of excellence, Mier brings into The Ricktones a diverse cast of burgeoning virtuosos, each rooted in the pursuit of their own excellences both as a band member and as an individual artist.  Explorative solos, capturing the hearts of songs, and conversational trading with each other abound, providing a unique experience each show.  The Ricktones don't just play music, they play with the music - and speak through it.  Every player is strong enough to stand on their own, but by uniting they become a supergroup with Mier at the heart.


"The Ricktones deliver a high octane performance….  Tight harmonies coupled with blazing instrumentals combine to provide a stunning show that's full of surprises."  Sal Sauco, President, Rhode Island Bluegrass Association.  Rick Fire and The Ricktones are currently in the studio recording their debut EP and touring across the Northeast.

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