THE HIGH WATER LINE


Emerging from the Northern California bluegrass scene in 2017, The High Water Line has become a staple in the San Francisco Bay Area, adding their distinctive groove-forward style to the ever evolving West Coast bluegrass sound.

While their music is steeped in the time-honored Northern California bluegrass tradition, The High Water Line reaches into the music of country, soul, swing, and blues, creating clever arrangements and a unique sound that’s all their own.

Their line-up features Jim Toggweiler’s grooving and unconventional electric bass style, TJ Carskadon’s hard-hitting and steadfast mandolin, Tyler Stegall’s driving and colorful banjo, Clare Armenante’s swinging and melodic fiddle playing, and Ian Ly’s powerful guitar. The High Water Line gives new life to old bluegrass standards; offers refreshing approaches to more modern country and bluegrass numbers; and writes heartfelt and compelling originals.

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, you’ll find the High Water Line performing on all different stages, from local haunts to large festivals. In 2019, the High Water Line was chosen as a California Showcase Band by the California Bluegrass Association to perform on the main stage at the Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival in Grass Valley, CA. They have regularly appeared on festival stages like the Berkeley Bluegrass Festival and Parkfield Bluegrass Festival. They maintain a regular residency at Blondie’s Bar, every 4th Monday of the month in San Francisco. The High Water Line has also shared the stage with some top artists including The Kathy Kallick Band, Grammy nominated Wood & Wire, The Lonely Heartstring Band, Wood Belly, and more.

 
 

 LIVE Videos

In 2021 The High Water Line recorded a live performance at the legendary Freight & Salvage for their “Freight Fest Online”. Here are some performance highlights from their set. New videos coming soon.

 
 

RECORDINGS

In July, 2019, The High Water Line released their debut album, Introducing The High Water Line. It features a diverse tracklist of heartfelt and hard-driving originals, and creative workings of less familiar bluegrass songs and recent country songs that they love.

 
 

photography

If there is a more specific photo you are looking to use for promotional material, please contact thehighwaterline@gmail.com.

 
 

Booking Inquiries

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, you’ll find the High Water Line performing on all different stages, from local haunts to large festivals. In 2019, the High Water Line was chosen as a California Showcase Band by the California Bluegrass Association to perform on the main stage at the Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival in Grass Valley, CA. They have regularly appeared on festival stages like the Berkeley Bluegrass Festival and Parkfield Bluegrass Festival. They maintain a regular residency at Blondie’s Bar, every 4th Monday of the month in San Francisco. The High Water Line has also shared the stage with some top artists including The Kathy Kallick Band, Grammy nominated Wood & Wire, The Lonely Heartstring Band, Wood Belly, and more.