Seldom Scene Essentials

The Seldom Scene came together in 1971 as a casual band playing occasional bluegrass gigs in Washington D.C. bars, being named in line with that aim. But their plans for impermanence were soon foiled; within a couple of years they were sweeping awards shows, headlining festivals and playing large venues. Founding members John Duffey, John Starling, Mike Auldridge, Ben Eldridge and Tom Gray put the band's brand of progressive 'grass on the map, but the group soldiered on into the '10s, even after most of the original musicians had left.