Highway 76
Though their use of traditional bluegrass instruments and tight harmonies speak to the origins of Bluegrass music that this band sincerely honors, it is the spirit of the California bluegrass scene that inspires the sound of Highway 76. When the band takes the stage it is evident that this group of experienced professionals have logged many hours of singing and playing together. This rapport is made apparent as wordless communication guides consistently executed song arrangements. The fine material, heartfelt vocals, and a sense of adventure falls into their live performances and makes them a band worth watching.
Chris Beucler (banjo, guitar, vocals)
Chris is an accomplished bluegrass banjo player and singer. The founding member of the Highway 76 band Chris is responsible for setting the direction of the band. Having played Banjo for over thirty years, Chris brings a sense of taste to his playing that only experience allows. In 2006 Chris won the four-corners banjo championship held in Wickenburg, AZ. Chris performed in numerous regional bands including the Rialto Brothers, The Banjo Boys, and the Good Brothers performing at festivals throughout the southwest over the past twenty years. Bluegrass influences include J.D. Crowe, Ron Stewart, Ron Block, and Janet Beazley.
Dan Sankey (fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, vocals)
Dan is one of San Diego’s most renowned Bluegrass players. Dan has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, performing at bluegrass festivals, corporate events, casinos, and concert venues. Dan has also done extensive theatre work for the Old Globe Theater, the San Diego Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, the North Coast Rep, and Lamb Players Theatre. Dan has a degree in music and has been teaching music for over fifteen years.
Given Harrison (bass, vocals)
Given plays a variety of instruments including guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, and dobro. Given has played on stage since 1974 in a variety of bluegrass, old-time, country swing, and jug bands. Given is also an active musician in the California Contra dance community. Given is an outstanding vocalist and provides both lead and harmony vocals for the band.
Steve Toth (dobro, guitar, vocals)
Steve has backed up bluegrass greats Mac Wiseman and Peter Rowan on several occasions and has performed at festivals and concerts, which included the Seldom Scene, Ralph Stanley, Bill Monroe and the Newgrass Revival, among others. He plays dobro, guitar, banjo, pedal steel guitar, bass, and mandolin that he has used for both live performances and recording sessions as a studio musician. His first solo project Titled “Sliding Down the Road” received outstanding response form DJ’s, Programmers, Critics and Listeners. He is best known as the author of several dobro instructional books including “Dobro techniques for Bluegrass and Country Music”.