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 roots-based 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 have released two albums of original songs – their debut album, Harvester, in 2019, and their follow up second album, Paw Paw in 2023. Anchored by John Bolten’s exceptional songwriting, compelling storytelling, and emotionally resonant lyrics, eight songs from their first two albums have earned honors in national song contests.

 

 
 

“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

 

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 2023 and 2020 Common Ground on the Hill Contest, County music finalist in the 2023 Mid Atlantic Song Contest, Honorable Mention in the 2019, 2020, and 2022, 2023 Hazel Dickens Songwriting Contest, and third place in the 2023 Hazel Dickens National Songwriting Contest, 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.