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Hot Pickin 57s

Austin, TX

$800 - $5000

Country Band

Travels up to 600 miles

Get a free quick quote

Promotional video thumbnail 1 for Hot Pickin 57s

Hot Pickin 57s Compilation Video

Promotional video thumbnail 2 for Hot Pickin 57s

Time Changes Everything

Promotional video thumbnail 3 for Hot Pickin 57s

Back in the Day

31st Annual Grapefest

Brady and Peter's First Dance, Hot Pickin 57s

Wedding guests dance to Hot Pickin 57s

Hot Pickin 57s on stage at the Leander Bluegrass Festival

Hot Pickin 57s at Stubbs SXSW Austin TX

30th Annual Grapfest

Hot Pickin at Luckenbach

Max Zimmet- Rodeo Austin

Hot Pickin 57s plays 4Star Concert Hall

Grapevine Sunset Concert Series

Prickly Pear Food & Wine Festival

3 Videos 4 Audio 22 Photos

Overview

Hot Pickin 57s are proud members of the Texas Commission on the Arts Texas Touring Roster — a highly competitive, juried program whose artists are deemed by a statewide panel to be among the best in their field.

Hot Pickin plays the music America built: bluegrass, classic country & Americana. With deep roots in the Austin scene, the band reunited in 2016 after musical educations at Berklee, South Plains College, and Texas State. They've played in well-known bands like the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash and Whit Smith's Hot Jazz Caravan, and shared stages with Sierra Hull, Alan Munde (Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame), and Kym Warner (Robert Earl Keen).

Reviews

48 reviews

Hanna G.

July 28, 2025

Verified review

Great performers! Easy to work with!

Hot Pickin 57s performed for a wedding I coordinated this past weekend. Leading up to the event, Steve communicated promptly and professionally, making planning a breeze. On the day of the wedding, the entire band was punctual, polite, and very easy to work with. Their positive attitude and friendly demeanor made everything go smoothly. They are truly talented musicians—their performance was excellent and received lots of compliments from guests, who appreciated the fun ambiance they brought to the event. I highly recommend Hot Pickin 57s and would gladly work with them again!

Hired as: Bluegrass Band, Country Band, Wedding Band

Hot Pickin 57s

Thanks very much Hanna! You guys were wonderful to work with. It was a pleasure and honor for us to be a part of the wedding!
Max

Evan R.

May 8, 2025

The Real Deal

The Hot Pickin' 57's played our annual Pioneer Festival in Wells Branch to a come and go crowd of about 400. They filled the park with music and played some great hits that fit the event perfectly. The four piece acoustic arrangement was tight and you can tell they have been playing together for a long time! Sean told some jokes and engaged the crowd in between songs which they appreciated. Coordinating payment and tax information was seamless and I would recommend them for hire!

Hired as: Acoustic Band, Americana Band, Bluegrass Band, Cover Band

Hot Pickin 57s

Thanks very much for the great review Evan. We really enjoyed playing for your community!
Hot Pickin

Joshua M.

November 20, 2024

Simply the best!

I've worked with dozens of bands over the years scheduling shows, and no other group nails it like the Hot Pickin 57s. Before the show they are a breeze to schedule and coordinate with. Day-of, they're timely and hassle free. And during the performance they'll crush it with fun originals, spot-on classics, incredible talent, an energized presence, and plenty of jokes in-between songs to give you a chance to catch your breath. I literally couldn't recommend them more. If you're looking for a Bluegrass/Americana Band, you've found them!

Hired as: Americana Band, Bluegrass Band, Country Band, Folk Band

Hot Pickin 57s

Wow, thanks for the super review Joshua! What a pleasure to play for you guys. Many thanks for having us.

Emily M.

November 19, 2024

Wonderful Experience!

We had Hot Pickin 57s out for a fundraising event for a small school that serves children with significant special needs. They were absolutely wonderful! We got so many comments on how great the band was, and it set the atmosphere for a great event! The band members were so kind, and Max was wonderful to work with! Would definitely book again!

Hired as: Bluegrass Band

Hot Pickin 57s

Thanks so much Emily. We really appreciate you letting us be a part of your event! It was a pleasure.

M E. M.

April 14, 2024

Verified review

Fun and entertaining!

We had a great time! Everyone in the band was on time, super nice, and fun. The music was fantastic and the crowd enjoyed dancing! We recommend the band and would hire them again to entertain us!

Hired as: Bluegrass Band

Hot Pickin 57s

Thanks so much for the super nice review. We really enjoyed playing for you guys, and are very happy to have been a part of John's retirement party!

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Booking information

Price range: $800 - $5000

Languages: English

Gig length: 30 - 240 minutes

What to expect

When you book Hot Pickin you will get:
• Experienced, professional musicians
• Clear, responsive communication
• Professional, reliable delivery of agreed upon services
• High quality bluegrass, country, and Americana music
• Dedicated Sound Tech and PA

We're a very active band, having played over 100 shows in 2017. We have played many corporate events, private parties, weddings, festivals, rodeos, etc. The band plays Bluegrass, Classic Country and Americana music that has consistently delighted guests at private and corporate events all across Texas. Please check out all our reviews.

Hot Pickin 57s will adapt our performance to suit the atmosphere of your event, ranging from a high-energy bluegrass and country music to a laid back background acoustic music for an intimate gathering and all points in between.

Prefer an acoustic duo or trio? Just let us know.

About

• Hot Pickin 57s, based in Austin TX, play a fun, energetic mix of Bluegrass, Classic Country, and Americana Music

• Review: “ I’ve worked with dozens of bands over the years, and no group nails it like the Hot Pickin 57s. Day of show they’re hassle free. During the performance they crush it with fun originals, spot-on classics, incredible talent, energized presence, and some jokes between songs to catch your breath. I literally couldn’t recommend them more.”
— Joshua Macias // Booking Agent

• Sets include well-known covers along with original compositions. Artists covered include Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Old Crow Medicine Show, Flatt & Scruggs, John Denver, Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams, John Hartford, Bob Wills, Doc Watson, and Grandpa Jones, among others.

• Whether performing at festivals or in intimate settings, Hot Pickin 57s love to establish a warm connection with their audience. They are available for corporate events, weddings, private events, listening-room venues, festivals, churches, libraries, house concerts, seniors, schools, and community and non-profit events.

•The band members have deep roots in the Austin music scene, reuniting in 2016 after their musical educations at Berklee, South Plains College, and Texas State. They’ve played in well-known bands like the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, Whit Smith's Hot Jazz Caravan, and Rosie and the Ramblers. On stage, they've had the privilege of performing alongside artists such as Sierra Hull, Beppe Gambetta, Alan Munde, Mark Cosgrove (David Bromberg), Billy Bright (Wood & Wire), and Kym Warner (Robert Earl Keen, Greencards).

- Max Zimmet: Berklee College of Music graduate, Guitar and Mandolin Performance.
- Shawn Spiars: South Plains College graduate, Bluegrass Music Program.
- Vance Hazen: Texas State graduate, Music Performance.
- Mike Montgomery: moved from classical violin to fiddle, played with Whit Smith's Hot Jazz
Caravan, banjo legend Alan Munde, and Billy Bright (Wood & Wire).

• Their discography includes a self-titled debut CD, followed by "Hot Picks," which featured Cindy Cashdollar and received airplay on radio stations across the US and Canada.

Additional booking notes

Instrumentation:

Acoustic guitar
Banjo
Fiddle
Mandolin
Upright Bass
Vocals (lead & harmony)

Services offered

•

Austin, TX

May 2018

19

Saturday

Pecan Street Brewing

6:00pm - 9:00pm

12

Saturday

25

Sunday

Wedding Reception

12:00pm - 1:30pm

•

Austin, TX

February 2018

24

Saturday

Anniversary Party

7:00pm - 10:00pm

•

Austin, TX

24

Saturday

Pecan Street Brewing

6:00pm - 9:00pm

January 2018

24

Wednesday

Sun City Concert

7:00pm - 8:30pm

December 2017

17

Sunday

Kreuz Market

1:00pm - 4:00pm

08

Friday

The PEARL

9:00pm - 11:00pm

November 2017

25

Saturday

Botticelli's

8:00pm - 10:00pm

24

Friday

Miller's Smokehouse

8:00pm - 10:00pm

18

Saturday

Texas Keeper Cider

4:00pm - 6:00pm

17

Friday

Neighbors Kitchen & Yard

7:00pm - 10:00pm

10

Friday

Whole Foods Domani

6:00pm - 8:00pm

05

Sunday

Hillside House Concert- CD Release Party

3:00pm - 5:00pm

01

Wednesday

Falcon head (Corporate Event)

5:30pm - 7:00pm

October 2017

28

7:00pm - 9:00pm

06

Friday

5000 Burnet Food Trailer Park

7:00pm - 9:00pm

September 2017

26

Tuesday

Corporate Event

4:30pm - 6:30pm

•

Austin, TX

04

Monday

16

Friday

Corporate Event

11:00am - 2:00pm

•

Austin, TX

05

Monday

Cocktail Party

5:00pm - 6:00pm

•

Austin, TX

January 2017

28

Saturday

Birthday (Adult)

7:30pm - 10:00pm

•

Austin, TX

November 2016

27

Sunday

Bells Springs Winery

3:00pm - 5:00pm

20

Sunday

Luckenbach Texas

1:00pm - 5:00pm

19

Saturday

Botticell's

8:00pm - 10:00pm

12

Saturday

290Texas House Concert

7:00pm - 9:00pm

October 2016

30

Sunday

Spicewood Arts Society Arts Roundup

12:00pm - 1:30pm

23

Sunday

Private Party

6:30pm - 9:30pm

22

Saturday

Elgin Local Goods

2:00pm - 4:00pm

06

Thursday

Linda's Fine Foods

6:30pm - 9:30pm

September 2016

24

Saturday

The PEARL

9:00pm - 11:00pm

18

Sunday

30th Annual Grapefest- Michelin Stage

2:00pm - 3:30pm

10

Saturday

Benefit for the Radiance Dome

7:00pm - 10:00pm

02

Friday

Private Party

7:00pm - 8:00pm

02

Friday

Waterloo Records (ABIA)

1:00pm - 3:00pm

August 2016

27

South Austin Brewery

5:00pm - 7:30pm

Team

Max Zimmet guitar, mandolin, harmony vocals

Shawn Spiars banjo / lead vocals

Michael Montgomery fiddle / harmony & lead vocals

Vance Hazen upright bass / vocals

Set list

99 Years
All About You
All the Good Times are Past and Gone
Amazing Grace
Angeline The Baker
Are You Missing Me
Ashokan Farewell
Back in the Day
Ballad of Jed Clampett
Beaumont Rag
Big Sandy
Bill Cheatham
Billy in the Lowground
Black Mountain Rag
Blackberry Blossom
Blue Moon of Kentucky
Blue Ridge Cabin Home
Bluegrass Stomp
Brown County Barn
Brown County Breakdown
Bury Me Beneath the Willow
Circle Be Unbroken
Clinch Mountain Backstep
Country Roads
Deep River Blues
Down in the Quarter
East Tennessee Blues
Fireball Mail
Fisher’s Hornpipe
Foggy Mountain Special
Folsom Prison Blues
Forked Deer
Gentle on My Mind
Gold Rush
Head Over Heels
Here's a partial list:
Hey Good Lookin'
High on the Mountain Top
How I Got to Memphis
I Saw The Light
I’ll Fly Away
Jambalaya
Kentucky Waltz
Little Sadie
Lonesome Moonlight Waltz
Lonesome Pine
Lost Highway
Mama Tried
Man in the Middle
Man of Constant Sorrow
Midnight on the Highway
Mind Your Own Business
Minor Swing
Nine Pound Hammer
Old Home Place
Pain in My Heart
Peaches and Cream
Rabbit in the Log
Ragtime Annie
Remington's Ride
Ridin My Thumb to Mexico
Ring of Fire
Road to Columbus
Rocky Top
Saint Anne's Reel
Sally Goodin
Salt Creek
Salty Dog Blues
Shenandoah Valley Breakdown
Sledd Ridin'
Snug and Clyde*
Soldier’s Joy
Someday We’ll Meet Again Sweetheart
St. Anne’s Reel
Stay Away From Me
Streets of Baltimore
Sweet Georgia Brown
Sweet Georgia Brown
Take This Hammer
Tennessee Waltz
Thanks a Lot
Thanks a Lot
Think Of What You've Done
Time Changes Everything
Tom and Jerry
Turkey in The Straw
Walking the Dog
Whiskey Before Breakfast
White Lightning
Wildwood Flower
Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Your Cheatin Heart

Influences and inspiration

Bill Monroe, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Ernest Tubb, Bob Wills, Earl Scruggs, Willie Nelson, Stanley Brothers, Chuck Berry, Hot Rize, Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, Old Crow Medicine Show and many others

Setup requirements

Sound can be provided by the band or the buyer.

Get a free quote