The Onlies

The Onlies are known as one of the top old-time string bands of the moment, digging deep into traditional material to create music that resounds with the present. In their early twenties, they already have a half a decade of touring experience under their belts and are breathing new life into old music.

Sami Braman, Leo Shannon, and Riley Calcagno founded the group in 2005 at age seven, playing their first gig at Seattle’s Northwest Folklife Festival. Since adding singer and guitarist Vivian Leva of Lexington, Virginia, they have toured around the U.S., taught at top American roots festivals and camps, and have been lauded as the first place winners of the 2017 Appalachian Stringband Festival in Clifftop, West Virginia. Along the way, the band has performed and collaborated with Elvis Costello, Bruce Molsky, and Foghorn Stringband, to name a few.

Their new album, THE ONLIES, is produced by Caleb Klauder (Foghorn Stringband, Caleb Klauder Country Band), and features Nokosee Fields (Western Centuries, Steam Machine) on bass. Folkworks writes that the record “succeeds on all fronts. The musicianship is seasoned and mature, delivered with flawless technique; the production shimmers; the selections and arrangements honor and extend tradition.” Indeed, it is a committed engagement with the histories and futures of old-time fiddle music. With their new release in tow, The Onlies are building a reputation and strong following with a new generation of old-time music fans.