Biography

Barbaro’s music is at once lively and intimate, perfect for twirling around the dance floor or cooking with someone you love. The Minneapolis based rising stars have created their eclectic sound through original songwriting craft, with inspiration derived from bluegrass, jazz and chamber music. Barbaro’s musical vision explores their collective life experiences through intricate instrumentation, creatively bending traditional music into a style that is all their own. Their album, Dressed in Roses, released January 2020, “Stands as a true testament to their musical identity and the sound that has launched one of the Midwest’s most in-demand acoustic acts.”

Accolades

• U.S. Department of State's American Music Abroad Artist 2022-2023 Season

• Official Showcase Artist for Americanafest 2021

• Official Showcase Artist for the IBMA World of Bluegrass 2020, 2021

• Official Showcase Artist for Folk Alliance International 2020

• 1st Place - John Hartford Memorial Festival Band Contest 2018

• 1st Place - Minnesota Bluegrass Roots Band Contest 2018
  

Press

“Barbaro brighten the Midwest bluegrass scene.” - Carter Shilts, The Bluegrass Situation

“Dressed in Roses provides a bountiful bouquet and a remarkably rich one at that. Make no mistake — it’s just that good.” - Lee Zimmerman, Bluegrass Today

“The Winona, Minn.-rooted neo-bluegrass quartet homes in on its own unique brand of rootsy acoustic music on its new album, “Dressed in Roses,” which is dressed in elegant yet understated violin and banjo parts alongside singer/guitarist Kyle Shelstad’s Mumford-meets-Paul Simon type of songwriting.” - Chris Riemenschneider, Star Tribune

"Barbaro is a unique blend of original, crafty songwriting that makes them an odds-on favorite for a breakout year." - Smouse, Music in Minnesota

“Barbaro budge beyond the bounds of bluegrass.” - Mike Pengra, Minnesota Public Radio

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