Bitchcraft Stringband is an all-women California-based bluegrass and old-time band known for a "witchy," high-energy sound blending traditional tunes, country, and original music. The band features Tonya Newstetter (guitar/vocals), Christine Wilhoyte (banjo/vocals), Ashley Readel (dobro), Jee-Hee Haar (fiddle/vocals), Amy Kassir (fiddle/vocals), and Sarah Jo Millar (bass/vocals).
Emerging from deep within the cold summer fog, four musicians with their own talents and, perhaps even powers, have joined forces to create something greater than the sum of its parts. What is this mysterious force? Who are these daring souls who would give so much for so little? Meet John Barleycorn: the most fun and downright unstoppable bluegrass band in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The JBC sound is rooted in Northern California bluegrass and infused with influences as varied as the band members’ names. Songs fermented in friendship and distilled through years of picking radiate a simple goal: to spread joy through music in the Golden State. With driving instrumentals, haunting harmonies, and sweet buckleshiners, John Barleycorn compels audiences to grab a partner and pull them close, lest the moment slip away.
The lineup features the heartfelt guitar and vocals of John Barleycorn, the hard-driving banjo and angelic singing of John Barleycorn, the rock-solid thump and silver mane of John Barleycorn on bass, and the fiery mandolin chop and high-lonesome tenor of John Barleycorn. All Johns, all the time.
You’ll find John Barleycorn lighting up stages across the Bay Area and beyond. And when you catch a show, you’ll never forget your first time as a John. Here’s to the John inside us all!
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.
Doors open 30 minutes before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.
The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.
Please refrain from using your phone during performances, and if you use your camera or video, please disable the flash.
Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.
Thank you for your support!
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