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Bio - The Mitguards
The Mitguards' musical style, a hybrid of American
roots music that includes traditional folk, country, swing, and bluegrass, makes
their sound powerful and distinct. While they sometimes perform with additional
band members near their home in Manitou Springs, Colorado, the core of the band
consists of Chris Mitguard on acoustic guitar, harmonica and vocals, and Deb
Mitguard on mandolin and vocals.
Their original songs,
framed by unique musical arrangements and raw, haunting harmonies, weave a
mixture of humor and tragedy through the stories they tell.
Chris, a
Colorado native, is the songwriter for the band and has been writing songs since
he was a young boy in the 1960s. His
songs create powerful, visual, almost cinematic images.
His well crafted story
lines are full of twists, turns and irony.
They create the
perfect backdrop for his sad, beautiful, sometimes dangerous, and undeniably
human characters. His musical influences range from Hank Williams and Johnny Horton
to Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Mississippi John Hurt.
Chris’ strong finger
picking style defines and drives The Mitguards' sound.
Deb Mitguard
grew up north of Detroit where she was surrounded by a variety of musical styles.
Current influences includeTimbuk 3, John Hartford, and Buddy
and Julie Miller. Deb has
played guitar and performed since she was a young girl but wasn’t inspired to
play seriously until she discovered the mandolin in 1998. Since
that time she has developed a unique and charming style of
mandolin. She has
a natural sense of composition and theme which adds layers of texture to The
Mitguards' sound.
Unlike the nostalgic view of life taken by some
Americana acts, The Mitguards cast an unflinching eye on the world around them,
unafraid to address dark subject matter and equally skilled at revealing the
subtle humor of everyday life.
Chris and Deb are
constantly expanding and stretching their material and performance
style. They
are dynamic performers that know how to reach a crowd. They
play hard and always aim at the heart of their audience. Their spirited banter
and engaging humor creates an endearing and intimate atmosphere, immediately
connecting them with their audience.
The Mitguards perform regularly throughout
the western and southeastern United States. They have
played internationally in Australia and Canada.
To see some highlights of recent and
upcoming performances by the Mitguards, click here. |
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