Portland Trio Brings Unorthodox Bluegrass Blend to West Marin Show

Dadweed, a bluegrass-inspired band from Oregon, will perform at Smiley's Saloon in Bolinas this Saturday.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:53pm by Ben Kaplan

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A minimalist, abstract illustration featuring sharp, jagged geometric shapes in bold red and black, conceptually representing the unique bluegrass trio Dadweed.Dadweed's unorthodox bluegrass sound blends traditional elements with contemporary influences, creating a fresh take on the genre.Eugene Today

Dadweed, a bluegrass trio from Portland, Oregon, is bringing their unorthodox sound to Smiley's Saloon in Bolinas this weekend. The band's lineup features two guitars and an upright bass, eschewing traditional bluegrass instruments like banjo and fiddle. Dadweed's eclectic repertoire spans bluegrass standards, classic rock covers, and original songs that blend multiple genres.

Why it matters

Dadweed's unique approach to bluegrass music reflects a growing trend of young artists blending traditional styles with contemporary influences. Their performance in the small coastal town of Bolinas highlights the continued appeal of live, community-driven music experiences, even as the music industry evolves.

The details

Formed by three University of Oregon alumni, Dadweed started as an informal jam session project but quickly developed into a full-fledged band. Upright bassist Ian 'Yuck' Lindsay, guitarists Clayton Eiberg and Keenan Dorn, all bring diverse musical backgrounds to the group, from rap to classic rock. After bonding over bluegrass at a local music festival, the trio began writing original songs and covers that put their own spin on the genre. Their self-titled EP, recorded with a simple one-microphone setup, showcases their tight three-part harmonies and Eiberg's distinctive countertenor vocals.

  • Dadweed will perform at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2026 at Smiley's Saloon in Bolinas.
  • The band recorded their debut EP in preparation for a main stage performance at the 2024 Oregon Country Fair.

The players

Ian 'Yuck' Lindsay

The upright bassist for Dadweed, Lindsay previously recorded rap music under the name Yuckgod HD before falling in love with bluegrass music.

Clayton Eiberg

One of Dadweed's two guitarists, Eiberg started playing bluegrass about six years ago and frequently uses the term 'Dadweedify' to describe the band's unorthodox approach to the genre.

Keenan Dorn

Dadweed's other guitarist, Dorn had previously played with bassist Ian Lindsay in a funk-rock band called the Sunday Bump.

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What they’re saying

“My big three artists would be MF Doom, (Bob) Dylan and D'Angelo. But once you're actually in the presence of some fun picking, it's infectious.”

— Ian 'Yuck' Lindsay, Upright Bassist

“I think all musicians can appreciate the bluegrass formula. You don't need to bring an amp; you don't need to bring your drums. It's so easy; it's so communal.”

— Clayton Eiberg, Guitarist

What’s next

Dadweed is tentatively planning to record some of their new songs, but their immediate priority is hitting the road, with a full tour calendar for the next six months.

The takeaway

Dadweed's unorthodox approach to bluegrass music, blending traditional elements with contemporary influences, reflects a growing trend among young artists to reinvent and reinterpret classic genres. Their performance in Bolinas highlights the enduring appeal of live, community-driven music experiences.