You honestly will not believe this lineup: Charlie Torch brings together siblings Jasper Manning on mandolin and Jayna Manning on guitar, with their father, Chad Manning (an alum of Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, the David Grisman Sextet, and the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience) on fiddle, Tyler Stegall on banjo, and 2-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year Mark Schatz on (yep) bass. That’s a mighty long sentence, but the point is you don’t want to miss Charlie and his band when they hit the Otter Opry stage on Saturday, August 29th. Period.
Charlie Torch represents a compelling blend of musical heritage and fresh talent in the bluegrass tradition. The band unites two generations of musicians, creating a sound that honors traditional roots while carving its own distinctive path through bluegrass, country, and mountain music. Check out this writeup from one of their earliest performances: “Charlie Torch walks the line between angelic harmonies and gutbucket truth, playing at the crossroads where even angels sing the blues. The band draws its listeners in close, engaging with the old music straight from the heart.”
Charlie Torch’s music draws deeply from traditional roots, offering a grounded sound shaped by decades of collective experience but unpretentious in delivery. The band blends elements of bluegrass, country, and mountain music into an honest, well-crafted expression that respects the past while quietly forging its own path forward. And you don’t even have to drive at night to catch this incredible performance. See you there! Online sales end at 9am the day of the show. Tickets will be available at the door.
3pm. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free). www.otteropry.org