Second Gear - A Colorado based Bluegrass band steeped in Tradition

Second Gear brings multi-generational tradition to the stage—fueled by some of Denver’s finest pickers, we deliver tight harmonies, great songs (both classic and new), and the authenticity that makes bluegrass timeless.

Based in Denver, we proudly carry the torch of classic bluegrass with skill, style, and a smile. We’ve got nearly 200 years of bluegrass performing experience between us, with some of our members having histories in Colorado bluegrass back to the 1970s.

If you’re looking for a Denver based bluegrass band that carries on the traditions of Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, The Stanley Brothers, Larry Sparks and more, check us out!

Now booking for festivals, bar gigs, private events, and anywhere lively, heartfelt bluegrass is welcome.

We bring bluegrass to you - Get in touch to book us!

We play Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Summit County, Silverthorne, Eagle County, Vail, Beaver Creek, Routt County, Steamboat, Mesa County, Grand Junction, Palisade, Crested Butte, Aspen, Telluride, Durango, Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah and beyond.

Contact Us

Presave our debut record, Tools Of The Trade, here!

Presave on Spotify

We couldn't be happier to announce our debut record

Tools Of The Trade

available for pre-save at the link in our description! Entirely self recorded and produced (with the help of the masterful David Glasser for mastering), this record is a distillation of some of what we feel makes us... well, us! Will be available in one month on Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and more!

Click the button above to presave!

Meet second gear

  • Man with a beard holding a violin in front of red foliage, wearing glasses and denim overalls.

    Doug Elrick

    Fiddle, Vocals

  • Man with gray hair and beard wearing glasses and a blue shirt, smiling while holding a guitar, with a leafy background.

    Chuck Tinsley

    Guitar, Vocals

  • A man with a beard wearing glasses and a brown cap is smiling outdoors. He is holding a string instrument. The background features green ivy and a brick wall.

    Neil McLinden

    Mandolin, Vocals

  • Person in a yellow shirt holding a banjo against a rustic brick wall backdrop.

    Todd Lilienthal

    Banjo

  • Man with brown hair and goatee holding a stringed instrument, standing against a brick wall with ivy.

    Dan Welch

    Bass

  • A person wearing glasses and a floral shirt stands in front of a textured brick wall.

    Ernie Martinez

    Dobro, Banjo

Check out some music here!

Here's an instrumental called “Arikaree", joined by our good friend Neva Wilder.

Here’s another one of our originals, a Doug tune called “Sweet Little Mountain Girl”

Have us come play for you anywhere in Colorado or beyond

Need a Colorado bluegrass band? Get in touch below to book gigs, festivals, weddings, corporate events or promo.