The High 48s are a traditionally minded bluegrass band whose music combines the soulful sound of the first-generation bluegrass pioneers with a country swagger that shows their roots in the Americana/alternative country scene. Formed in Minneapolis in early 2006, the High 48s are:

Rich Casey, bass – Rich is a musical man about town who, in addition to providing a solid musical foundation to the High 48s’ hard-driving bluegrass sound, keeps a busy performance schedule lending his doghouse skills to a wide range of musical situations.

Eric Christopher, fiddle and vocals – Eric is a Minnesota Music Award–nominated fiddler who has performed or recorded with dozens of Americana/alternative country artists, including Tina and the B-Sides, Accident Clearinghouse, and John Casey, and has shared the stage with the likes of Ralph Stanley, Gillian Welch, the Jayhawks and Sheryl Crow.

Tony Ihrig, banjo – Tony is a former drummer who brought his rock-solid timing to the banjo and helped form the Midwestern newgrass band Free Range Pickin'. His unique rhythmic banjo style and songwriting skills have helped earn him radio play in Nashville and a review in Bluegrass Unlimited.

Chad Johnson, mandolin and vocals – Chad was a rock bassist until he experienced a moment of clarity while watching Ronnie McCoury pick with Del and the boys. Since then he’s been picking bluegrass mandolin and singing with his brother Derek Johnson.

Derek Johnson, guitar and vocals -- Derek worked as a rock/alternative country musician with Best Fight Story and music promoter in Minneapolis for ten years before he was born again as bluegrass picker. Since his conversion, Derek (a.k.a. Ironlung) has been picking his Martin and lending his powerful tenor voice to duets with his brother Chad.