AAFFM Presents: Alex Commins & Todd Prusin and Georgia Grass

ALEX COMMINS & TODD PRUSIN

Alex Commins and Todd Prusin are well-known in the Atlanta music scene. Alex was an original member of AAFFM and has played for years in bluegrass groups, including 15 years with The Sorghum Syrup Soppers Old-Time String Band. He has also played in many diverse musical situations, from the Galax Old-Time Fiddler’s Convention to rock and roll bands. Todd started out drumming in high school bands and has since played professionally as a drummer, guitarist, and bassist. He has played various Atlanta venues with such bands as Charm School, Stickfight, The Barrow Boys, Prusin Reep Jones, The Serenaders, The Porch Bottom Boys, and Suspicious Package.

Alex and Todd met at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch in the Ohio River Valley. The love and respect for music that was germinated blossomed into a musical embrace here in Atlanta, an embrace that seems to grab and include those within earshot. The interplay between Alex’s acoustic fingerpicking and Todd’s melodic bass guitar has garnered very positive notices.

GEORGIA GRASS

Georgia Grass is one of the longest-running and most venerable bluegrass bands in Georgia. Founded in 1973 by guitarist Dan Daniel, Georgia Grass has played many bluegrass festivals throughout Georgia and the Southeast, as well as various clubs and private events in and around Atlanta. In 1976 Georgia Grass was chosen to play for the grand opening of the Georgia World Congress Center. Today Georgia Grass is still going strong as a local bluegrass powerhouse. Its three members have all been inducted into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame.

Band leader Dan Daniel plays acoustic guitar and sings lead vocals on most of their songs. Dan is the President of the Southeastern Bluegrass Association and a lifetime member of the Bonded Brothers of Bluegrass. His awards include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Atlanta Society of Entertainers and the Fiddlin’ John Carson Award for his contributions to the music industry in the State of Georgia.

James McKinney is considered one of the world’s foremost masters of the five-string banjo. James has played both on stage and in recordings with great artists such as Bill Monroe, Vassar Clements, and John Hartford, among many others. He received the Musician’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the Atlanta Society of Entertainers in 2018. Niki Portmann plays upright bass and also sings vocals. She is an accomplished and respected bass artist of many years. Niki was awarded the Musician’s Lifetime Achievement Award by the Atlanta Society of Entertainers in 2018.

Georgia Grass is a modern bluegrass band with roots deep in traditional bluegrass and Americana folk but with a refreshing and modern take on many traditional favorites as well as original works.