Chris Pandolfi
Chris Pandolfi is a New York-bred banjoist who became the first banjo principal admitted to Berklee, founded The Infamous Stringdusters in 2006, and won the 2018 Best Bluegrass Album Grammy with the band — a Dartmouth Environmental Studies grad whose podcast "Inside the Musician's Brain" probes the careers of contemporary roots greats.
- Grew up in the suburbs of New York City (Briarcliff/Westchester County); started banjo around 1997 after seeing Béla Fleck and the Flecktones.
- Earned undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from Dartmouth College.
- First-ever banjo principal admitted to Berklee College of Music (attended 2001–2003).
- Founding member of The Infamous Stringdusters (2006–present), originally based in Nashville.
- Won Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album in 2018 with the Stringdusters for "Laws of Gravity" (plus multiple Grammy nominations).
- Relocated to Denver, Colorado in 2013, where the band is now based.
- Hosts the podcast "Inside the Musician's Brain," featuring guests like Béla Fleck, Billy Strings, and Sarah Jarosz.
- Co-founder of side project Bluegrass Generals with bandmate Andy Hall; active producer for bands including The Kitchen Dwellers.
-
Emmylou HarrisPlayed on recording with Emmylou Harris
-
The Infamous StringdustersPlayed on recording with The Infamous Stringdusters