George Portz & “The Friends of Bluegrass”

George Portz & “The Friends of Bluegrass” are the most versatile performing group in the area as they blend their fiery Bluegrass roots with some fine traditional Irish and Louisiana Cajun music.  Their “Cajun Set” has won raves from crowds throughout the Midwest.  The group’s enthusiasm, top-notch musical ability, wit, and humor always “Leave ’em wanting more!”  And they always do!

George Portz is the group’s leader and founder.  He is an Illinois State Fair Fiddle Champion, Western Illinois State Fiddle Champion, and his fiddling highlights include over 130 First Place Championships.  He has performed for two Presidents:  President Nixon in 1973 at the White House and with “The Friends of Bluegrass” at the Illinois State Fair in 1986 for President Reagan. He has also performed at the Grand Ole Opry.  George toured with the legendary “Goins Brothers” of Eastern Kentucky for three years in the 1970s.  His dynamic fiddle style ranges from fiery bluegrass to zesty Cajun.  There’s not a fiddle player in the Midwest that can entertain an audience like George.

David Dalton is the group’s lead singer. David is considered to be one of the finest Bluegrass singers around and can easily make the transition from Bluegrass to some fine Hank Williams Old Time Country, and has won numerous awards for both.

Dave Montgomery is the lead guitar player for the group.  He has won the Illinois and Missouri State Flat-Pick Guitar Championships and sings dynamite bluegrass and country songs.  His singing ranges from Lester Flatt to Johnny Cash.

Gene Hall  is considered one of the finest 5-String Banjo Players in the St Louis Area, and he has won numerous Contests throughout the years. One of Gene’s musical highlights was playing a Banjo tune with ‘The Father of Bluegrass’, Bill Monroe, on stage at the Calvin Opry House in Washington MO. His versatile pickin’ style fits in well with The Friends of Bluegrass. Gene also adds Bass during the Band’s Cajun Music Set.

Kathie Pohlman is the band’s bass player.  She won the Best Rhythm Musician award  at the Midwest Regional Championships.  Kathie sings harmony vocals and performs on the Irish whistle and Cajun accordion.

George Portz & “The Friends of Bluegrass” are the leading acoustic music group performing in the St. Louis metropolitan area and their shows are enjoyed by all ages.