A high-octane Americana quintet from New York’s storied Hudson Valley, The Mammals carry on the work of Pete Seeger & Woody Guthrie with a deep original repertoire and signature “trad is rad” sound. Founded in 2001 by Seeger’s grandson, Tao, second generation fiddler/singer, Ruth Ungar, and banjo/guitar songsmith, Mike Merenda, The Mammals reemerged in 2017 “stronger than ever” (Folk Alley) fronted by Mike + Ruthy along with drums, bass and pedal steel. Known for their jubilant, high-energy shows, The Mammals deftly move from older-than-dirt banjo duets to sound-the-alarm topical fare that’s right in line with the times, bouncing from roof raising hoe-downs to hear-a-pin-drop a cappella balladry.
Two-time Lotus alumni, The Mammals performed at the Lotus World Music & Arts Festival in 2003 and again in 2011 (as Mike + Ruthy). Band website: themammals.love
“The Mammals don’t suffer from multiple genre syndrome, they celebrate it as if gleefully aware that the sound barriers separating old-timey music, vintage pop and contemporary folk are as permeable as cotton.” (Washington Post)
Their dynamic shows regularly bring a tear to the eye and hope to the hearts of listeners of all generations. In an era of disconnect, The Mammals work to re-connect thru their truth-telling lyrics, off-the-cuff storytelling and euphoric instrumentals. In 2018 The Mammals will be touring internationally in support of their their new full-length release including the singles “My Baby Drinks Water,” a mother’s lullaby plea to protect clean water, and “Culture War,” a song that “gets right to the heart of the fight for the American soul.” (No Depression)
“Some of the best songwriting of their generation.” (LA Weekly)
“A string band at the core, The Mammals augment their sound with drums and electric guitar to create a collectively harmonized howl as thrilling and rocking as any band currently subverting folk traditions.” (No Depression)