If you’re in the mood for a good time, check out Pixie and the Partygrass Boys from Salt Lake City, who are performing at The Arts Campus at Willits tonight at 8. The band, led by Katia “Pixie” Racine, promises an entertaining show filled with lively music and fun vibes.
Pixie and the Partygrass Boys are known for their ability to bring snow wherever they go. Katia shared, “We seem to drive through snowstorms all the time. One year, it snowed 11 out of 12 months while we were on the road!” Their experiences on the road have become part of their story and charm.
The band consists of talented musicians: Amanda B. Grapes plays fiddle and contributes vocals, Zach Downes works the upright bass, Ben Weiss is on mandolin, and Chris Petty is on drums. Chris is a recent addition, taking over for longtime guitarist Andrew Nelson, which brings fresh energy to their performances.
Formed in 2015, the Partygrass Boys came out of the ski-town culture in Cottonwood Canyon. All the members are passionate skiers, and they built their reputation by playing at ski-related events and parties. “We started playing at pig roasts and cabin parties. Our friends from skiing would come out to see us perform, and that helped us grow our audience,” Racine explained.
In 2018, they hit the road extensively after releasing their debut EP, “Utah Made.” The band has performed at major festivals like WinterWonderGrass in Steamboat Springs, Bourbon and Beyond, and High Sierra Music Festival, among many others. They’ve shared stages with renowned artists like Billy Strings and Grace Potter.
Describing their music, Racine said, “We might call it pop bluegrass. Our style is all over the place—from fun party anthems to deeper, more vulnerable songs.” The vibe at their shows is all about dancing and having a blast.
Their latest album, “Pixie and The Partygrass Boys,” takes a new approach compared to their earlier work. It features a mix of traditional bluegrass with modern sounds, utilizing various instruments like drums, pedal steel, and even a makeshift choir of friends. Even with this evolution, they still connect deeply to their skiing roots, as shown in their song “No Friends on a Powder Day.”
Racine hopes that their audience feels a sense of community and joy during their performances. “We want people to feel at home, to be themselves, and to experience the ups and downs of life together. Whether it’s laughing, dancing, or even crying, we embrace all those feelings,” she said.
