About

Grassy Strings is a pioneering bluegrass band from Kolkata, India, bringing together the spirit of Appalachian music with the rich musical traditions of the Indian subcontinent. Featuring Souvik Hazra (guitar, vocals), Subhankar Dhar (mandolin), and acclaimed upright bassist Mainak Nag Chowdhury, the trio creates a sound that is deeply rooted in tradition while embracing musical exploration across cultures.

Drawing inspiration from American bluegrass, folk, old-time, and swing, Grassy Strings seamlessly weaves together traditional standards, original compositions, and songs in Bangla, Hindi, and Nepali. Mainak's background in Indian classical music, combined with Afro-Cuban rhythmic influences, adds another distinctive dimension to the band's evolving sound—creating performances that are energetic, heartfelt, and unmistakably their own.

Since their formation, Grassy Strings has become one of the leading ambassadors of bluegrass music from India. They made history in 2023 as the first and only Indian bluegrass band to perform internationally at the renowned Bluegrass in La Roche Festival in France, one of the world's largest bluegrass festivals. Their journey has since taken them to Nepal, Thailand, and Australia, performing at celebrated festivals including Port Fairy Folk Festival, Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, CresFest, Yackandandah Folk Festival, Sandford Bush Music Festival, and the Southeastern Old Time Gathering.

Their Australian tours have become especially memorable for their unique reinterpretations of iconic Australian folk songs—including Waltzing Matilda, Home Among the Gumtrees, Put Another Log on the Fire, and A Pub with No Beer—performed through the unmistakable energy of bluegrass. These performances have become audience favourites and reflect the band's passion for building musical bridges between cultures.

Along the way, Grassy Strings has shared its music on international stages, radio, and educational programs, with appearances on bluegrass broadcasts across the United States, Europe, and Australia. Beyond performing, the band is deeply committed to introducing new audiences to bluegrass through workshops, school outreach, and community programs, encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and cultural exchange through music.

Every Grassy Strings performance is more than a concert. It is a celebration of tradition, storytelling, and connection—where Appalachian roots meet Indian melodies, familiar folk songs find new life, and audiences from around the world discover that great music speaks a universal language.