Bio

“A high-energy progressive roots band featuring outstanding musicianship and uplifting vibes” – Charm City Bluegrass

 

 
Geraldine’s mantra is ‘Good Time Old Time’. They are a country-leaning string band bringing songwriting to the forefront, while blending elements of old time, American folk, bluegrass, and alternative country in a distinctive, enthusiastic sound. As stewards of Appalachian motifs in a modern framework, they bring banjo, mandolin, guitar, fiddle, and Appalachian flat foot dancing to the front of the stage, accented with lush four-part harmonies, in a free-wheeling repertoire of both rare and wonderful gems from the past and original songs. They released their debut album, Harvester, in 2019.
 

“The perfect blend of grit, drive, originality and fun – Baltimore’s Geraldine embodies all that’s good in a modern stringband. In studio and on-stage, the quartet dips and dives through raucous fiddle tunes and soulful songs to create a fresh sonic landscape that knows no bounds. Anchored by John Bolten’s creative songwriting, the spotlight is shared evenly across their dynamic lineup featuring Jonathan Vocke on banjo, Josh Anderson on fiddle, and Jocelyn Haversat on feet and upright bass. In a modern roots music landscape that can be overly polished and predictable, Geraldine is as genuine as it gets and you’ll never quite know where they’re going next.”

– Brad Kolodner, Folk Alley, Bluegrass Country Radio

 

 

Josh Anderson (fiddle, mandolin, guitar, vocals)

Josh is a versatile violinist with 20 years of experience playing many styles including classical, bluegrass, country, rock, jam, funk, blues, and jazz. He slso plays guitar and mandolin. Lives in Historic Ellicott City, MD.

 

Sarah Larsen (Bass, guitar, fiddle, banjo, vocals)

Sarah Larsen is a multi-faceted teacher and musician. Originally from Wisconsin, she grew up playing classical music with her pianist mother and sister. Her formative years were spent at Lawrence University, the Walnut Hill School, and the University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music on full scholarship. Playing in college introduced her to alternative styles including a run with string quartet Vox4 that led to Carnegie Hall, Americana rock quartet Little Ugly, and premiering Gary Tomasetti’s Violin Concerto written specifically for her.



Sarah’s time in Philadelphia saw her playing with the Hot Club of Philadelphia, multiple bluegrass bands as well as served as a frequently called string arranger for local songwriters. She has recorded at nearly every studio in the greater Philadelphia area, working with Gangstagrass, Ben Arnold, Susan Werner, and Dr. Dog among others. Sarah is an award-winning contest fiddler, having taken Grand Champion of the Lyons Fiddle Festival and the Delaware State Championship.



Sarah resides in Edgewater with her partner Danny Stewart, Jr. and their dogs Ranger and Kuchulu. Sarah and Danny are the founders of Annapolis Bluegrass, a cultural organization that hosts jams, concerts, and music lessons while spreading their love of bluegrass music to the greater Annapolis area.

 

 

Jocelyn Haversat (upright bass, percussion, foot percussion, vocals)

Jocelyn is a musician and percussive dancer from Boston, MA, and now makes her home in Baltimore, MD. She learned to dance in Asheville, NC, and tries to bring elements of traditional dance with her wherever she goes. Masquerading as a scientist, you might be able to find her at a lab bench during the day, but you’ll always find her on her dance board at night.

 
 

John Bolten (guitar, banjo, vocals)

John is an avid songwriter, musician, and folk music enthusiast from West Virginia. He has been called a “songwriter’s songwriter” and has played everywhere from the sidewalks of LA, to house concerts in South Carolina, to concert halls in Virginia. John has shared the stage with the likes of Drivin N Cryin, Jason Isbell, Tom House, and Eric Taylor, and once picked up Roland White in a rainstorm and took him to Walmart to buy a poncho. His songs have been recorded and performed by other regional bands and Nashville recording artists. He received 3rd Place in the 2020 Common Ground on the Hill Contest, Honorable Mention in the 2019, 2020, and 2022 Hazel Dickens National Songwriting Contests, and was 2nd place winner of the Solo Old Time Banjo Competition, and 3rd Place winner of the Solo Vocalist Competition at the 2019 Deer Creek Fiddler’s Convention. He lives in Catonsville, MD.
 
Jonathan Vocke (dance board, percussion, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar)
 
 
Jonathan is from Germantown, MD. He does it all. 
 
Jonathan is a champion of the two finger banjo style and released his highly regarded debut album, ‘Spotted Pony’ in 2022.