Traditional at heart — modern in sound — original by design!
Based in the Washington, DC area, Blue Spruce delivers bluegrass that honors the tradition while sounding fresh, vital, and unmistakably its own. Blending classic repertoire, contemporary influences, and original songwriting, the band creates performances that resonate with longtime bluegrass fans and new listeners alike.
—Frank J. Owens, President, Randy Carter Chapter, Float Fishermen of Virginia
Formed in 2010, Blue Spruce features Andrew Tontala (vocals, guitar), Barb Diederich (vocals, mandolin, bass), Shige Takeshita (vocals, banjo), Dave Goldman (fiddle), and Tom Gray (vocals, bass, mandolin).
Tom Gray is a two-time inductee into the IBMA Hall of Fame, as a member of the Classic Country Gentlemen and the original Seldom Scene, and was also inducted into the Bill Monroe Hall of Fame in his own right. His decades of experience bring depth, perspective, and authority to the band’s sound.
—Jim Mattingly - Post Commander/Entertainment Chairman, American Legion Wheaton Post 268
Ranging in experience from Tom, with over six decades of playing bass, to Andrew, who took up the guitar during the Covid pandemic, all members of Blue Spruce share a deep passion for bluegrass music and its vibrant community.
Their material spans timeless bluegrass classics—from Bill Monroe to the Stanley Brothers—alongside contemporary artists such as Molly Tuttle and Billy Strings, plus heartfelt original songs written by Barb and Tom. The result is music that feels rooted, relevant, and welcoming.
Blue Spruce delivers crowd-pleasing performances tailored to a wide range of settings, including listening rooms, festivals, private events, and community programs. Known for strong musicianship, tight harmonies, and engaging stage presence, the band consistently captivates audiences and earns praise for both musical excellence and professionalism.
—John McLarty, Washington, DC
Blue Spruce is currently working on their first album, Freedom-Loving Wind.