Bio of The Storytellers: Progressive Bluegrass Band in Los Angeles

The Storytellers is a progressive bluegrass ensemble whose repertoire represents a unique blend of roots-rock, Americana, country-blues, folk and jamgrass music.

One of the fastest rising bluegrass groups on the Southern California music scene, The Storytellers took just one year to go from busking on street corners of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara to gracing stages of bars, taverns and regional festivals throughout the state. The Storytellers draw from the rich canon of traditional bluegrass, country blues, old time and folk music as a basis for inspired improvisations and intrepid vocal harmonies.

The LA Weekly noted, “This band moves seamlessly through traditional and progressive approaches. One tune echos Doc Watson, the next, Jerry Garcia. They find great joy in bluegrass music that is evident in their performances.”

Legendary folk music promoter Bob Stane stated: “The Storytellers are wonderful singers, and energetic, passionate players. We’re thrilled to have them spin their tales on our stage.”

Founded in the Fall of 2017 as a duo, the complete band formed in February of 2018, performing more than 30 Los Angeles-area shows through the end of the year. This intensive schedule included defining performances at the historic Mint, Molly Malone’s, the Coffee Gallery Backstage, and a spellbinding set at the Laurel Canyon Love Street Festival, sharing the bill with Micky Dolenz, Wilson Phillips and Chris Stills.

The Storytellers have performed at the June Lake Jam Fest, the Huck Finn Jubilee, the OC Music Festival, the 2021 Prescott Bluegrass Festival, as well as at numerous regional fairs and festivals. They performed 5 amazing nights at the Orange County Fair. The band performs regularly at Gilley’s Saloon at the Treasure Island Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, and has earned residencies at several popular venues.

The Storytellers’ strong musical chemistry allows them to bring soulful harmonies, delicate acoustic sensibilities, soaring grooves, tight rhythms, substantive storytelling, and their own bluegrassy magic to every stage they stand on.

The band consists of Scott Diehl (Guitar, Vocals), Lance Frantzich (Bass, Vocals), David Burns (Banjo), Tyler Emerson (Fiddle) and Steve Stelmach (Drums, Percussion).