Possum Monorail

Possum Monorail is a polished four-piece acoustic roots and bluegrass ensemble that plays weddings (ceremony music, cocktail hours, dinner music, receptions); corporate events; and private parties across the N.C. Triangle and surrounding areas. Providing a lively but tasteful live show with a professional presentation and flexible, event-friendly repertoire.
Sets can be tailored as follows:
• Standard: mix of songs (bluegrass, classic country, swing and blues) and instrumental Appalachian fiddle tunes. (We can also lean more heavily into any of these styles when asked!)
• Dance mix: Danceable mix of swing, country, waltzes and up-tempo blues
• Background (instrumental only): relaxed instrumentals suitable for occasions requiring lively but non-intrusive music that lets guests converse without shouting.

Possum Monorail is a true American roots band. We revel in playing a variety of traditional U.S. acoustic styles with vocal harmonies—from Appalachian fiddle tunes and bluegrass to blues, classic country, and swing. Our members have played in various national and international touring acts, been on the teaching staff of top roots music camps, and won many ribbons at music competitions.

AMY KASSIR (vocals, fiddle) is from Durham, North Carolina. She began studying classical violin at a young age, and she simultaneously learned old-time fiddle in the Appalachian string band festival scene with her dad. She won the Mt. Airy Youth Fiddle competition at the age of 12, and over the years she has developed a dynamic and eclectic fiddle style that incorporates old-time, bluegrass, and global roots influence. Amy has played in a number of bands across North Carolina, Massachusetts, and California, including Solid Gold Stranger and The Crooked Jades. Amy's debut album of fiddle tunes, "Bread and Butter," was released on October 25, 2024. She currently resides in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

KOREY KASSIR (vocals, mandolin, guitar) is a multi-instrumentalist and sound engineer originally from California. Encouraged by his banjo playing dad, Korey started playing violin with the school orchestra in 4th grade and learned traditional fiddle tunes at home. He eventually was drawn to the mandolin, which is what he plays mostly now. Korey has played in many bands across California and North Carolina, including The Creak and Solid Gold Stranger.

CARY MOSKOVITZ (vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica, kazoo) grew up in Greensboro, NC in a family of professional and semi-professional musicians. He has played the guitar for over 50 years, banjo and harmonica for not quite so long. In addition to playing in numerous bands over past decades, Cary has taught guitar, harmonica and singing at the Swannanoa Gathering music camp and has won many competition ribbons for guitar, banjo, harmonica, and singing. His recordings (on Bandcamp) include a tribute to blues legend Papa Charlie Jackson (Document Records), two albums of banjo duets, and “Old-Time Fiddle Tunes on Harmonica." He is the author of "How to Play Old-Time Fiddle Tunes on Harmonica."

HUGH CRUMLEY (bass) is a bassist and multi-instrumentalist based in Durham, North Carolina. He began playing electric bass as a teenager and took up the upright bass 25 years ago. Hugh also plays acoustic Hawaiian steel guitar and twice won the dobro competition at the Mt. Airy Fiddlers Convention. He has toured and performed in the US, UK, Ireland, and Korea, and continues to work as a North Carolina-based freelance and session musician.

We generally only need access to power outlets plus cover from weather and sun for outdoor events. Large crowds may require additional fees for sound and lighting.