Mike Bont
Mike Bont is a Michigan-bred banjoist and Grateful-Dead-fandom-into-bluegrass convert who co-founded Greensky Bluegrass in Kalamazoo in fall 2000 — the trio that became one of the leading jamgrass acts of the 21st century, headlining venues like Red Rocks.
Assisted by AI.
Spot something off? Help us fix it.
- Founding member of Greensky Bluegrass, formed in fall 2000 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, alongside Dave Bruzza (guitar) and Paul Hoffman (mandolin).
- Originally a guitarist before switching to banjo; was inspired after hearing a bluegrass band at Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo.
- Cites Jerry Garcia (and the Garcia/Grisman "Shady Grove" album) as the gateway from Grateful Dead fandom into bluegrass.
- Greensky's three founders met at an open-mic night and quickly began playing as a trio.
- Band evolved into a five-piece by adding Mike Devol (bass, 2004) and Anders Beck (dobro, 2007).
- Has played on every Greensky studio album, including "Stress Dreams" (2022) and the band's 25th-anniversary work in 2025.
- Greensky Bluegrass is a leading jamgrass act on the festival circuit, headlining venues such as Red Rocks.
- Recognized for steady, melodic banjo style within long-form jams.
