On the evening of Sept. 16, Andrew Chriss, a history student at UW hosted a backyard concert at his home. The event was open to anyone in the community and a celebration of fall.
Many students were there along with friends, family, and neighbors. The crowd gathered in Andrew’s backyard to make new friends and bond over the shared love of music. The theme of the evening was bluegrass performed by folk artists.
One of the featured bands that performed was Strawberry Jam, an all girls group. They describe themselves as “Folky Americana.” They have played several sets throughout Wyoming and even at a music festival in Saratoga, WY.
Gretchen Meister, who plays guitar for Strawberry Jam, has only recently started playing for the public.
“I’ve been writing songs pretty much my whole life,” Meister said.
“I feel like I would write little horse girl songs for my mom, but I didn’t start playing out in public until probably eighteen months ago.”
Strawberry Jam is inspired by The Local Honeys who is also an all girl band.
Another band that performed was Molasses Flood, which is country western inspired.
Molasses Flood is Chriss’ side project. His main band, The Gem City Drifters, performs psychedelic blues and country rock and roll.
Chriss has been playing music since he was ten years old and is inspired by the Grateful Dead legacy.
“Laramie is not necessarily like a music club, but it exists in pockets,” Chriss said. “[People] will come type of situation because everybody here is looking for music, and I think a lot of ways it’s underrepresented.”
He continued, “I’ve kind of taken on the idea that if I do something like this, like people will come hang out, see the music and enjoy.”
There are many talented musicians in Laramie with music events constantly happening. Carol Martinson, a member of Strawberry Jam suggests finding live performances from local online sources.
The Gem City Drifters and Strawberry Jam will be performing at the Ruffed Duck Saloon on Oct. 11, at 8-11 p.m.
