Hillbilly Inferno (HI) combines traditional bluegrass with psychedelic rock, funk, Gypsy swing and Hindustani music to create a compelling original sound. HI’s eclectic mix of original music and unique arrangements produce an intriguing sound, setting the venues in which they are playing ablaze.

Lead guitarist Chris "Citrus" Sauthoff is most widely known as a former touring member of George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, as well as the head of funk/hip hop/rock band, U.S. Pipe, and as guitarist for the famous '90s-era funk band, Lord of Word and the Disciples of Bass. His musical moniker came from his audition for the Lord of Word, Theo Smith, who said his playing was “juicy.” Citrus is one of a handful of Front Range musicians who play the sitar, having traveled to India twice to study Hindustani classical music on the instrument from master musician and mentor, D.N. Shukla, in Ghorakhpur.

Keith Frankel, an extraordinary banjo player and brilliant songwriter, grew up playing piano but found his true voice on the banjo as a teenager. He mentored under legends Tony Trishka and Pete Wernick (Hot Rize), and has performed with a wide variety of acts, from symphony orchestras to traditional bluegrass bands such as Black Dog Crossing.

Julie Gussaroff, soulful mandolinist and vocalist, grew up in a musical family and has been performing since the age of eight. She studied mandolin with masters Mike Marshall and Charlie Provenza. Julie has played with many successful bands, including Djypsy Grass with Michi Regier, the Swinging String Band, the Ernie Martinez All-Star String Band and the Julie G Quartet.

Originally from New Orleans, Ashley Authement has been playing upright bass and making a name for herself around the Front Range since 2002. Drawn mostly to the divergent styles of bluegrass and funk, Ashley's non-conformist musical taste fits perfectly with HI.

Singer/songwriter and rhythm guitarist Mandi Rae originally hails from Alabama, and her soulful, folk rock-and Americana-flavored voice complements the myriad aspects of the ever-growing range of Hillbilly Inferno. Mandi's stage presence is fun and engaging, and her geniune songwriting connects across all audiences.

Adding drums and percussion to the mix, J.J. Anselmi also plays drums in his metallic noise rock band, Sherman to the Fucking Sea. Aside from drumming, he is a writer of creative nonfiction and fiction. You can check out some of his work at pulpmetalmagazine.wordpress.com.

HILLBILLY INFERNO will set ablaze any venue they play and take the audience on a mesmerizing musical journey!