Apparently the night before Thanksgiving is when all the cool cats head out to the bars to gabble before they gobble. But it wasn't just the pre-turkey talk that had people filling Abilene on Wednesday, November 23. They were there to join local bluegrass jam band the Vassar Brothers for a foot-stomping good time.

The band is made up of vocalist-guitarist JD Pryor, Bob Bell on mandolin and banjo, lead guitarist Peter Buttrill, bassist Phil Ortolani, violinist Kristan Vasan, drummer Brian Loughner, and washboard and harmonica player (and tap dancer) Cristina Buttrill. This is a Rochester-based band that cuts across genres.

Centered around Pryor's deep vocals and constant strumming on acoustic guitar, the band is equal parts folksy bluegrass and upbeat Americana. It combines that with electric backings and jam-band breakdowns that mix both the worlds of folk alt-country and reggae. The resulting sound blends Cash and Marley's worlds together quite well.

On Wednesday I caught the first of two sets by the band. I'll be the first to admit that I have a soft spot in my heart for all things violin, mandolin, and washboard, and the Vassar Brothers came with all of the above in tow, combining them into a fierce instrumental mix. The music covered both ends of the spectrum, from the sweaty, dance-inspiring grooves to subdued, country twang. (Personally I will always vote for more of the livelier stuff.) Considering how long they had played, and that they were following with a second set of songs, the band kept the energy and spirits high.

I don't like to get too picky with newer bands on the block (the group only formed last year), but there were times on Wednesday where I wished that some of the folk instruments had been a little more prevalent in the mix. I'd rather have the violin and mandolin blaring than have the musicians stretching to carry the sound out over the din. Pryor's music stand was also distracting. I understand that sometimes you just need something to rely on - especially given how much material he went through - but at times the stand on stage stood in the way of a deeper connection with his audience.

Perhaps the best thing I can say about the band is that it was one of the original songs that stuck with me the most ("Momma Always Told Me"; check it out online). Keep an eye on these guys and girls, as I have a feeling their bluegrass whirlwind is only going to continue to grow.