Electronic Press Kit

Brendon Haggerty (fiddle), Dennis Christensen (guitar), Sarah Christensen (bass), Hannah Dondy Kaplan (banjo), and Linda Scherba (mandolin)

Biography

From the moment mandolinist Linda met bass player Sarah at a festival, the idea for a new bluegrass band featuring multiple female voices was born. They recruited Sarah’s husband Dennis to play guitar, and when mutual friend Hannah was added on banjo, Sweet Fern began to take shape. The quartet played together for a year honing their sound in the bars and brew pubs of Portland, OR adding to the stacked roster of solid bands finding success and support in the thriving Portland bluegrass scene. With the addition of Brendon on fiddle, the current version of Sweet Fern is now complete, and poised to spread their music and message of good-times and inclusion to audiences around the Pacific Northwest.

United over affinity for traditional bluegrass and sharing a dedication to playing and creating music featuring intentional arrangements and close vocal harmony, Sweet Fern is quickly carving a place in the PNW bluegrass scene. They utilize the talents of every member in various formations of two and three-part harmonies: sweetheart duets, old fashioned “brother duets” and their signature “lady-trio’s” among them. Their creative original songs and intentionally selected standards are chosen to showcase these talents and share the music they love with audiences. Their music has been called “sweet" and “uplifting”. Audiences everywhere remark about their fun and exuberant nature of their live shows. They play with joy and a reverence of each other that comes through in every performance. Sweet Fern are five friends, who enjoy playing music together and entertaining folks.

Short Biography

Emerging from the vibrant Portland OR bluegrass scene, Sweet Fern is the organic union of friends driven by a shared love of traditional bluegrass and dedication to tight vocal harmonies. Sweet Fern pick and sing a seamless blend of crafty originals and timeless standards featuring a versatile blend of sweet duets and three part harmonies, all with a nod to Pacific Northwest and West Coast bluegrass traditions.

“Every once in a while you come across a new bluegrass band that hits all of the marks-tight harmonies, interesting arrangements, and entertaining songwriting. Sweet Fern is such a band. Their live performances are infused with a sense of joy that demonstrates their deep appreciation for bluegrass music. I look forward to hearing more from Sweet Fern.”

-Linda Leavitt, Cascade Bluegrass

Sweet Fern with Linda Leavitt

"Sweet Fern brings a wonderful show to any venue. Their song crafting, original material and open enjoyment on stage is a treat for all. We are so pleased to have them with us.”

-Fred Coates, Columbia Bluegrass Festival

“From their tightly woven harmonies to their authentic audience connection, Sweet Fern puts on a performance that leaves a lasting impression."

-Pam Brown, Promoter, Tygh Valley Bluegrass Jamboree