A Day with The Dusters

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - “Stand for those things in which you truly, passionately believe to the depth of your core: the integrity of your work, the way you choose to do business, the people with whom you surround yourself determine how and where you live your life.” Quoted from the bluegrass band, The Infamous Stringdusters, who have a determination on living out the hard choices in life and taking control of their own future. There is no other band quite like the Stringdusters! Meet the band members - 

Travis Book (bass), Andy Falco (guitar), Jeremy Garrett (fiddle), Andy Hall (dobro), and Chris Pandolfi (banjo). This skillful group of musicians, made up of individual success stories, has come together to form a sensational musical attraction. It’s a musical style they’ve dubbed High Country. “We play ‘high country’ music,” says bass player Travis Book, “it’s more than bluegrass, not quite country, always progressive and dynamic.” High Country is their genre, as well as the bands mission. “The High Country,” says banjo player Chris, “is a beautiful, inspiring spot, wherever it may be.” This mindset plays beyond the music and and inspires the band in everything they do. 

The group has an abundance of talent and passion which has won them a multitude of new fans. The type of people who listen to their soulfully irresistible music are not only bluegrass lovers, but also people who go on epic hikes, ski, snowboard, fish, ride mountain bikes, and get outside to experience life in a variety of natural settings. The bands five members are also huge outdoor enthusiasts with a youthful energy, creative minds and a sweet spot for the environment. While music flows through their veins, they also realize that music is only a part of life and have chosen to stand for the things that inspire them. In doing so, The Stringdusters have partnered with The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics in a promising effort to spread the word about environmental responsibility and ways in which we can minimize our impacts while not only recreating outdoors but also while we enjoy a live show of our favorite band. 

The Infamous Stringdusters have taken roots in Charlottesville, Virginia where they have a hometown crowd they rely on. The band has returned the love by hosting The Festy Experience, an exceptional outdoor music experience. Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, you will experience 3 days of delicious local food vendors, amazing artists, yoga workshops, a 5k run, community and friends. The band is working toward eco-friendly practices at their shows and festivals by incorporating the Seven Leave No Trace Principles and we fully support and encourage their efforts! 

Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers Dani and Roland were able to attend a live Stringdusters show at the Cat’s Cradle, a local venue favorite in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The show was fully of energy, positive vibes and dancing! We were able to speak to the multitudes about The Center’s mission to preserve and protect the places we love to play. Lesson of the night - people can’t resist free stickers! Especially when the free sticker promotes such a vital, applicable cause like Leave No Trace. 

All in all, the concert was a blast and the musicians were incredible. We met so many friendly Leave No Trace supporters and we look forward to our new relationship with The Infamous Stringdusters! 

Ninjas for Nature - dani and roland