REVIEWS

This past month my son was married in Highlands, NC and I was responsible for hiring the band for the rehearsal dinner event. We are huge blue grass fans and I was fortunate to get connected with Randy Gambill, bandleader for Sassafrass. I did have a few specific requests for Randy, and that was to include some specific covers into the performance, including Jerry Garcia Band, Grateful Dead and others in that genre. To say the band was a hit is an understatement! They played from 6-10:00 with a 45 minute break for dinner. The gathering was on it’s feet for the closing songs, and Randy and his bandmate couldn’t have been more enthusiastic in putting on an amazing show. If you’re thinking about a band of this sort, don’t look further than Randy and Sassafrass! Happy to answer any questions.  September 21, 2022

Joe Dattilo
APPLE INC.

In June 2022 my company, Environmental Risk Innovations (ERI), was the sponsor of the Environmental Bankers Association (EBA) annual conference reception held in downtown Charlotte, NC. The venue was held at Nuvole 22, Charlotte’s highest indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge/restaurant with panoramic views of the Queen City. I reached out directly with the band leader, Randy Gambill of Sassafras, and asked him to send me their repertoire. I was absolutely stunned when I received Randy’s list of hundreds of well-known songs covering bluegrass/newgrass, country and Americana genres. Although Sassafras is traditionally comprised of 4 band members, I also requested a fiddle be added to the mix. Randy was able to accommodate my special request and added Branson Rains to the mix! Sassafras is comprised of consummate professional musicians. They showed up over 2 hours early (with big grins and handshakes!!), which allowed adequate time for the band to prepare for the “sky high, cocktail venue” from 5-7:30 pm on Monday evening, June 13th. All band members had super engaging, friendly and accommodating demeaners. Sassafras fired up the normally stuffy crowd (please realize that the EBA reception was comprised of over 200 nationwide bankers, with only a few familiar with North Carolina bluegrass!) and got their juices flowing with some lively classics and contemporary tunes from a wide range of country and bluegrass music. They played their hearts out for over 2 hours, such live energy, all the time smiling continuously, engaging the crowd and letting everyone know they were having an awesome time being the center of attention (and Sassafras was the CENTER of attention!!)! Several cocktail reception attendees came up to me afterwards to let us know it was THE BEST cocktail reception in EBA’s 27 year history! It is obvious that Sassafras loves what they do and they do it with style! The EBA will never forget ERI’s Charlotte cocktail reception featuring Sassafras!   June 13, 2022

Greg Lathan, MSPH
President
The EI Group, Inc.
Environmental, Health and Safety Solutions.™

Sassafras Bluegrass is an outstanding band, featuring talented musicians who are also extremely nice people. They were the perfect accompaniment to the welcome party for my son's Asheville, North Carolina destination wedding, performing a broad variety of music from traditional bluegrass, blues and western swing to contemporary Americana. Great communication in advance; we were able to create a custom set list from their extensive repertoire that had our guests up and dancing all night. The band arrived on time, provided an excellent sound system, and accommodated a number of special requests.
Highly recommended! 10/14,2021

Christina Parrish Stone
Executive Director
St. Johns Cultural Council
St. Augustine, Florida

Sassafrass-Bluegrass Band It was a holiday weekend, but the band arrived well before the appointed time to set up. We had so many compliments on their music, their professionalism and everyone LOVED them! If available, we booked them for next event. Thank you SASSAFRAS-BLUEGRASS BAND, you truly made our event a HIT! Review by Jane H. from Blairsville, GA on 11/27/2019

It was a wonderful night! The band was incredible! They were fun and interacted with the audience. I Would definitely recommend them and use them again in the future! Review by Vickie S. from Pinehurst, NC on 10/2/2019

When I hired the Sassafras Bluegrass Band to play at my wife's birthday party, I didn’t realize I was getting the best of the best. The Grand Ole Opry alumns graced our home as if they were old family friends. They were humble, unassuming, gracious, and professional. Their talent is apparent from the moment the first note is played. The guys played ambient music during dinner and then a full blown concert afterwards. They even served as accompaniment for me while I seranaded my wife and friends. They took requests, cleaned up, and left with several new fans. On top of everything, they drive 3 hours to get here. I simply cannot recommend them enough. Review by Jeremy K. from Knoxville, TN on 2/22/2019

This was A FANTASTIC BAND!! THE Guy's were Friendly, Funny and Most of All ENTERTAINING.. I would hire Sassafras Band Again!! Look forward to seeing them in September at Gold Hill!! Awesome Job..... Review by Linda M. from Concord, NC on 8/25/2018

Sassafras was perfect every step of the way for my husbands 40th birthday, from communicating to make the arrangements all the way to the wonderful music at the party. Most of our guests had little prior exposure to bluegrass, and all were impressed and asking how I found Sassafras. Our 4 year old son jumped on stage(our backyard deck) with them with his toy guitar and they were very welcoming and encouraging to him. I would not hesitate to hire them again or to recommend them to you, friends, family or anyone else looking for live music for an event! Review by Ximena M M. from Durham, NC on 6/30/2018