Poor Man's Whiskey is:

Jason Beard- Guitar,mandolin
Josh Brough -Banjo, keyboards, harmonica, vocals
Eli Jebidiah - Theremin, vocals
Chris Rovetti - Fiddle, vocals
George Smeltz - Drums, suitcase, vocals
Aspen Stevenson - Bass, vocals

Poor Man's Whiskey emerged from a rich and vibrant musical scene north of the Golden Gate.   What began as a fun side project playing "bluegrass instruments" quickly evolved into a full time endeavour , winning over audiences with their upbeat performances, zany stage antics, and infectious songs.

Through the years Poor Man's Whiskey has developed a sound that is eclectic and engaging.  It is a musical tapestry influenced by American music. Rooted in acoustic music, PMW's sound spills into rock, funk, pop, blues, and even disco.  Their songs range the gambit of emotions, inviting the audience to dance, laugh, sing, ponder and reflect.  At their core they are story tellers. Weaving tales of everyday life that are easily accessible their songs will have you singing and dancing right along.  Not bound by the rules of bluegrass tradition, PMW uses all the tools available to engage the crowd and themselves (from banjos and mandolins to screaming electric guitars and drums, from everyday casual wear to flashy and elaborate costumes).

Poor Man's Whiskey has released two full length studio cd's, Train To California (2003) and Roadside Attraction (2005).  In 2007 they also released a limited run DVD of their critically acclaimed performance of "Dark Side of the Moonshine, a bluegrass interpretation of the Pink Floyd classic album", shot live to a sold out crowd at the Mystic Theater.

PMW has supported such acts as the Eagles, Phil Lesh and Friends, John Mayer, Hot Buttered Rum, New Monsoon, the Duhks, the Waybacks, etc., as well as playing such festivals as Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Strawberry Music Festival, 4 Peaks Music Festival, Sugar Bowl Music Festival, (as well as qualifying for the finals of the Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition).

The name of the band comes from a fable regarding the late blues legend Mississippi John Hurt.  During the 60's, when a folk revival made him a prominent act to a newly-appreciative and younger audience, he was offered some marijuana by Jerry Garcia, to which he replied: "That ain't nothin but poor man's whiskey."


Quotes:
Poor Man's Whiskey is one of the hottest bluegrass bands to emerge from Sonoma County in years."
- Larry Carlin, Bluegrass Gold

"You guys sounded great on The Blazy Show. Next time...I'll bring my own jug!!!"
 - Jeff Blazy, 101.7 The Fox DJ

 "Poor Man's Whiskey has something that just brings out the best in
people...joy and happiness...and that is the best there is!"
- Vicky Kumpfer, Santa Rosa Parks and Rec

"We've done several shows with PMW and every time they've had the audience howling for more. They are great singers, instrumentalists, and songwriters, but above all they are entertainers. Their group chemistry invites the audience to be participants rather than onlookers. These are the kind of guys who, in the 1920s, would have been a traveling variety show, complete with freaks, stunts, and banjo comedy. Fortunately, they are here for us to enjoy now".
 -Nat Keefe, Hot Buttered Rum