Focal Point Presents Steam Machine

Steam Machine is an award winning Minneapolis old time bluegrass project formed to explore and celebrate midwest fiddle and string band traditions that blur the lines between old time, bluegrass, and related genres to create sounds of their own. With clean, powerful fiddling, driving three finger banjo, straight ahead harmony singing and rock solid rhythm backup, “Steam Machine is a stout example of the vitality of fiddle music Up North these days.” (Old Time Herald)

Fronted by in-demand Minneapolis fiddler AJ Srubas and old time music and dance instigator Rina Rossi, with the support of other gifted musicians, including David Robinson on banjo, and a revolving cast of bass players, Steam Machine has brought to stages around the country a sound that is “virtuosic,” “bright and fresh,” and “suspiciously entertaining” to old time fans and new listeners alike.

Originally formed in Minneapolis in 2017, Steam Machine brought to the national stage a midwest influenced string band aesthetic that didn’t draw such hard lines between bluegrass and old time music. Combining smooth, clean, powerful fiddling with rolling three finger banjo and a front-of-the-beat, bluegrass inspired approach to rhythm backup, the resulting sound was innovative, commanding, and “suspiciously entertaining.”

While not purists, Steam Machine does listen closely to the “old stuff” and strives to capture the essence of what makes these tunes and songs special, as they hear it. The project continues to be an evolving vehicle for playing music they love and honoring the brilliance left behind by old time heroes like Lyman Enloe, Cyril Stinnett and more. Equally comfortable playing for an old time/bluegrass loving crowd or listeners that are brand new to these sounds, Steam Machine aspires to keep midwest style old time music alive and well wherever they’re found.