Boris Garcia

Philadelphia, PA-based progressive bluegrass band Boris Garcia originated strictly as a studio project among five musicians who shared an affinity for the genre, treating the venture more as a casual experiment than a committed endeavor. Jeff Otto on ukulele, bass, guitar, slide, and vocals, Gene Smith handling recorder, harmonica, guitar, and vocals, Bob Stirner covering lead guitar, bass, and vocals, Stephe Ferraro on drums and percussion, plus Bud Burroughs with mandolin, bouzouki, and accordion, pooled their efforts to record an album titled Boris Garcia's Family Reunion. Issued in 2005 through their independent Porchwerk Music imprint, the project only afterward prompted the group to schedule live appearances throughout the Philadelphia area and cultivate an audience. Their follow-up effort, Mother's Finest, appeared on June 27, 2006, at which point the ensemble had already received an invitation to perform on the primary stage of the Philadelphia Folk Festival.