CIRCA BLUE

Biography

Circa Blue is a contemporary bluegrass band based in Martinsburg, West Virginia, known for their tight vocal harmonies, clean instrumentation, and creative arrangements. Founded by guitarist and vocalist Steve Harris, the band emerged in the early 2010s, releasing their self-titled debut album in 2012, which featured a blend of original compositions and covers. Their sophomore album, 'A Darker Blue' (2014), garnered critical acclaim and maintained a strong presence on radio charts for over a year, solidifying their reputation within the bluegrass community.

Over the years, Circa Blue has continued to evolve, releasing several well-received albums including 'Once Upon a Time' (2016) and 'Footprints in a Song' (2018), both of which showcased their growth as musicians and arrangers. The band’s sound bridges traditional bluegrass with contemporary influences, often incorporating creative arrangements and drawing from a wide range of musical experiences. Circa Blue has also made a mark through their annual Circa Blue Festival in Martinsburg, WV, further cementing their role as both performers and promoters of bluegrass music.

With a rotating lineup of talented musicians, including Steve Harris, Malia Furtado, Ashley Stewart, Garrett Wren, Matt Hickman, and others, Circa Blue has maintained a dynamic presence on the bluegrass scene. Their collaborations with notable guest artists and their willingness to experiment beyond strict bluegrass traditions have contributed to their unique sound and ongoing appeal.

Fun Facts

• The band's name, 'Circa Blue,' was chosen to reflect their approach to bluegrass—'around or about bluegrass'—signaling their willingness to branch out from strict tradition.
• Circa Blue has hosted their own bluegrass festival in Martinsburg, WV, since 2016, supporting the regional music community.
• Their album 'A Darker Blue' spent over a year on the Roots Music Report radio charts and was ranked #38 among the top 100 bluegrass albums of 2014.
• The band has featured a rotating lineup of accomplished musicians, with banjo player Matt Hickman being a member since the group's inception.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Traditional Bluegrass and Country Musicians - Early musical exposure and stylistic influence, particularly for founding member Steve Harris and other band members who grew up listening to bluegrass and country through family connections. (General influence on Circa Blue's repertoire and arrangements) [1970s–present]

Key Collaborators

• Mike Auldridge - Special guest musician on resophonic guitar for debut album (Circa Blue (2012)) [2012]
• Chris Sexton - Guest fiddler on multiple albums (Circa Blue (2012), A Darker Blue (2014), Footprints in a Song (2018)) [2012–2018]
• Gaven Largent - Guest dobro player on 'A Darker Blue' and 'Footprints in a Song' (A Darker Blue (2014), Footprints in a Song (2018)) [2014–2018]
• Marshall Willborn - Guest bassist on 'A Darker Blue' (A Darker Blue (2014)) [2014]
• Valerie Smith - Featured vocalist with Steve Harris on 'I Sing Your Song' (I Sing Your Song (single)) [2018]

Artists Influenced

• Regional Bluegrass Musicians in West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley - Inspired and provided performance opportunities through the Circa Blue Festival and collaborative projects (Annual Circa Blue Festival, local performances) [2016–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen)
2. I Sing Your Song (I Sing Your Song)
3. Mississippi Queen (Footprints in a Song)
4. I Don't Know You (Footprints in a Song)
5. Footprints in a Song (Footprints in a Song)
6. Paradise (Footprints in a Song)
7. Cold Dark Ground (Footprints in a Song)
8. It's a Beautiful Day (Footprints in a Song)
9. Working on a Building (Footprints in a Song)
10. Rollin' Fog (Footprints in a Song)

External Links

• Spotify