For Hub City Times

Graminy is an award-winning ensemble that creates a unique and engaging soundscape they call “class-grass.” Fusing the components of grassroots and classical traditions, Graminy’s live performances are energetic and inquisitive with quick changes and generous improvisation. The group’s instrumentation blends a classical string trio — violin, viola, and cello — with elements of a bluegrass rhythm section — mandolin, guitar, and banjo.

Graminy’s original compositions reflect themes of environment and place. In 2010, Sauk City’s River Arts Center commissioned the band to write and record its debut album, “Water-Grass-Place,” whose release featured a full live performance with a choir.

Reedsburg’s Wormfarm Institute commissioned Graminy’s sophomore album, “Germinations: A Bluegrass Symphony in D,” which received awards for “Classical Album of the Year”, and “Classical Song of the Year” at the 2014 Madison Area Music Awards. Two Graminy members also received honors for “Specialty Instrumentalist of the Year.”

Graminy’s most recent release, “Dance of the Plants,” features a new generation of material that is as catchy as it is complex.

Graminy will perform at the Chestnut Center for the Arts on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. The band is also offering a series of workshops from 1:30-3 p.m. For more information visit graminy.net or chestnutarts.org.