On the surface, their musical scope is remarkably simple: old-time fiddle and banjo in dialogue. But, whether seated in the audience for a theater show or dancing with the crowd at a bluegrass festival, the music they share with each other and all of us is strikingly expansive, resplendent, and entrancing. How could just two people, two voices, two instruments, and ten strings open up and explore such a limitless string band universe?

From the first strum of the banjo or pull of the bow, time slips away as de Groot & Hargreaves settle in on stage to entertain. They offer sets of instrumentals in medley; tell stories of lyrics and verses and from where they were found, learned, and arranged; they’ll sing in harmony – acapella or accompanying each other in experimental or classic ways; they laugh and banter and engage their audiences, encouraging dancing and singing along. At times, their songs purposefully fly off the rails into noise, spacey bridges, and ripping hoedowns, bow strokes and frailing giving way to scratches and honks, wails and trills. It’s old-time and it’s jamgrass, it’s rehearsed and it’s improvised, it’s electric and goosebump-raising. It’s also tight, tidy, and professional and while demanding that you remain on the absolute edge of your seat.

Clearly, these are two mighty pickers. De Groot is hailed as one of the most adept and personality-rich players on clawhammer banjo and Hargreaves is regarded as superlative by nearly every musician who encounters her playing – especially fellow fiddlers. Both are equally comfortable in any genre they choose – bluegrass, old-time, folk, Celtic jigs, or grooving Americana.

Together or separately, the pair display endless grit, deep passion, and a sly and winking sense of subversion. Totally at home in these string band formats as performers, students, and educators, they know exactly how to play inside and outside of “the lines.” A huge part of their charm stems from their commitment to challenging expectations of what and who such a duo “should” be – and how they “should” sound. 

As a pair and as individuals de Groot & Hargreaves have been nominated for and received awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, the Americana Music Association, the GRAMMYs, the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the JUNOs – and de Groot was recently a recipient of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo. Their two LPs, 2019’s self-titled debut and 2022’s Hurricane Clarice, are not only critically-acclaimed, but beloved by listeners and fans, well worn and oft-enjoyed. Paste Magazine called them a “can’t-miss pair” and notable reviews and press clippings can be found on NPR Music, Rolling Stone Country, CBC Q, and beyond. They’ve played huge venues and iconic festivals in the U.S., Canada, across the continent, and around the globe. Still, their accolades and accomplishments are eclipsed by the magic and ineffability of their live shows.

Over 45 minutes, or an hour, or even a 90-minute set, they not only hold the attention of their listeners, they bring each and every heart, mind, and pair of ears into the infinitesimal moment alongside themselves. They captivate their audiences not through showy or self-absorbed shredding or a revolutionary retooling of the traditions they hold dear. No, Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves remain one of the most entertaining and mesmerizing duos in folk, bluegrass, and old-time because they’re down to earth. Present. Utilizing their artistry and their instruments to express, rather than impress. To connect, rather than set themselves apart. 

Sure, at the end of the day, de Groot & Hargreaves are another string duo in a long, centuries’ old lineage of just such pairs of pickers. But when encountering their fiddle and banjo in concert, it’s immediately clear that these two musicians are something truly special.