From their minds, to their blood, to their fingers, Avi & Celia play song. The sound transcends style, and above all else is about feeling. “Off the Floor,” emulates this feeling. The EP is a collection of six inspired, original songs. Off the Floor, delivers honesty and emotion. Their songs lend themselves to bluegrass, folk, blues, and rock traditions; they are both refreshing and edgy. The CD features Woods-Smith's big, sweet soulful voice complemented by Salloway’s rich baritone vocals and passionate guitar picking.

This concert will feature Avi & Celia in a bluegrass setting with The Walkin’ Line; Adam Frehm (dobro), Mike Santosusso (double bass), and Katie Trautz (fiddle) followed by a rock set with the help of Paul Carroccio, the percussionist highlighted on Off the Floor.

Join Higher Ground’s Artist of the Month, Avi & Celia as they shake walls and enliven the spirit with the release of "Off the Floor".

Many young folk groups today are remaking old songs. But for the Burlington, Vermont folk quartet PossumHaw, music-making starts from scratch.

PossumHaw has been playing original driving bluegrass and country-folk songs around northern Vermont since they came together in 2004. Fans have seen them perform at Nectar’s, Radio Bean, and 1/2-Lounge in Burlington, Positive Pie II and Langdon Street Café in Montpelier, and Bee’s Knee’s in Morrisville.

PossumHaw released their first album, Split-rail, in September 2005. The album, featuring eleven original tracks, was called an “immensely enjoyable debut” guided by the “sensual, country-soul vocals” of Colby Crehan (Seven Days, 10/26/05).

While each member of the band takes turns at singing lead and harmony, it is the singing and songwriting of Colby Crehan that are the foundation of PossumHaw’s sound. Colby’s strong country-tinged voice grabs listeners with lyrical verses and unique melodies. A skilled songwriter, Colby also plays driving rhythm guitar and piano.

Charley Eiseman is a highly-skilled guitarist and pianist, able to navigate through many styles and genres. With PossumHaw, Charley combines precise flat-picking and finger-picking styles to help give PossumHaw its signature driving folk sound. Charley’s smoking guitar solos never fail to carry PossumHaw’s songs into new melodic and rhythmic territories.

Ryan Crehan and his banjo bring that distinct bluegrass flavor to PossumHaw. Ryan’s technique is based on Scruggs’-style, but he often breaks free of traditional style to bring the energy of a performance to new heights. He also writes distinctive instrumental numbers for the band. When not picking the 5-string, you’ll catch Ryan adding bluesy overtones with the harmonica.

Matt Kolan plays the mandolin with energy and life. Matt’s bright, rhythmic sound invigorates the entire group for a driving, high-energy performance. His style adds emotion to everything from plaintive waltzes to driving instrumentals.