Goat Hill String Band

Visit our website to find out where to hear the GHSB perform live!

Based in Montgomery, Alabama, the Goat Hill String Band performs acoustic string band music ranging from modern pop covers of artists such as Michael Jackson, the Bee Gees, and even 80’s one-hit wonder A-Ha, to R&B classics from artists such as Stevie Wonder and Bill Withers, to traditional bluegrass favorites like the venerable “Uncle Pen” and the wildly popular “Man of Constant Sorrow.”

The GHSB chooses songs that the group genuinely appreciates and creates interesting arrangements that honor and celebrate the music of multiple genres and ties them together with a string band sound, without resulting in a mockery of either the original pop artists or the bluegrass genre. The result is a fun mix of songs that makes their audience want to stick around and see what is coming next.

The members of the GHSB have musical backgrounds that are as diverse as the musical genres they cover:

Banjo/guitar player/lead vocalist Patrick Reed was born and raised in North Alabama where he was baptized into Bluegrass music at a young age. His influences include anything from the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd to Coldplay and Bela Fleck. These inspirations have caused a determination to continually take things in a different direction musically. This self-taught musician studied Entertainment Media Production at the University of North Alabama and produces his own works as well.

Fiddle player/lead vocalist Aaron Peters is a journeyman bluegrass musician who learned his craft in Alabama’s Wiregrass region. During his nearly 20 years of playing music, he has shared his talents with numerous musical groups, spanning genres including bluegrass, country, gospel, and rock. A 5-time Old-Time Fiddlers’ Convention contest champion, Aaron was well-known in bluegrass circles in the Wiregrass before moving to Montgomery in 2006.

Mandolin player/vocalist Fred Clements spent the 90’s playing in rock bands around Chicago at venues such as the House of Blues, Elbow Room, and the Cabaret Metro. Initially drawn to electric guitar, Fred developed an interest in traditional folk music, and eventually the mandolin, after hearing Doc Watson perform at the Old Town School of Folk Music.

Upright bassist/vocalist John Garman began playing professionally in 1982. He played in jazz, country, and rock bands in Nashville for many years before moving to Montgomery, Alabama in 2000. John studied with Nashville bass legend Roy Vogt and has performed at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, the Nashville Convention Center, and many other venues throughout the Southeast.

Goat Hill String Band’s tracks

• ThatsJustTheWayItIs by Goat Hill String Band
• Crazy by Goat Hill String Band
• 01 Goat Hill String Band Demo by Goat Hill String Band