Fresh Prospects: The Mountain Grass Unit and Zoe Ny

The Mountain Grass Unit will perform as part of the Fresh Prospects series—a showcase of the best up-and-coming artists attending Berklee. The band consists of three young pickers, Drury Anderson (mandolin and vocals), Luke Black (acoustic guitar), and Sam Wilson (upright bass). The band plays bluegrass tunes, occasionally adding a bluegrass touch to country, jazz, funk, rock, and even metal. For this occasion, The Mountain Grass Unit will be joined by Teddy Kent on upright bass. 

Zoe Ny’s songwriting is unmistakably Midwestern and unfailingly idealistic. Growing up in rural Michigan, her soul-driven melodies and vivid storytelling are blooming in a new generation of alternative and folk-rock music. Ny's voice has unique clarity and incredible depth all at once, and has been compared to Susan Tedeschi and Grace Potter. Ny started writing music at age 14 on her mom’s upright Baldwin. Her late vocal coach, Jennifer Kincer, had Ny perform on street corners, and eventually at festivals and events all across Michigan. In early spring of 2021, Ny and Bryan Pope arranged and recorded a live performance, two side single with cello, piano, and guitar titled “River/Slip Away.” That October, Ny released her fourth single, “Witches in The Wind.” The song is ethereal and cinematic, with tight three-part harmonies and live strings.