Booking Chris Thile & Michael Daves

Chris Thile and Michael Daves are an acclaimed acoustic duo known for their dynamic fusion of bluegrass tradition and fearless improvisation. Chris Thile is a mandolin prodigy, MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient, and one of the most influential modern acoustic musicians. Michael Daves is a respected New York–based guitarist and vocalist with deep roots in bluegrass and Americana. Together, they create a sound that is both rooted in tradition and boldly modern.

Their collaboration began in New York City’s vibrant acoustic scene, where spontaneous late-night jam sessions revealed a rare musical chemistry. Thile’s mandolin playing brings precision, speed, and melodic imagination, while Daves’ guitar and commanding high-lonesome vocals inject raw emotional power. Instead of recreating classic songs, they reinvent them — stretching arrangements, improvising freely, and letting the music unfold in real time.

What sets the duo apart is their minimalism: just two instruments and two voices. They rely on instinct, interaction, and shared trust, creating performances that are unpredictable, intimate, and high in energy. Their sets often move from breakneck bluegrass to quiet emotional storytelling, showcasing range and pure musicianship.

Chris Thile and Michael Daves have earned praise for elevating acoustic music into a thrilling live art form. Their shows are not just concerts — they are deep dives into the heart of American roots music, delivered with modern sensibility and unmatched musical skill.