The Hermit Tree is an eclectic acoustic group based out of Tucson, Arizona. Melding influences of American traditional music and folk-rock, The Hermit Tree offers a refreshingly new acoustic sound and dynamic live performances. The Hermit Tree began as a Celtic jam band at the University of Arizona, playing at local pubs and street corners. However, the group’s passion for other genres and musical exploration quickly expressed itself through new and exciting interpretations of Appalachian, Bluegrass, and fiddle tunes and a rapidly expanding repertoire of original material that challenges categorization. With a new 14 track album of original songs, The Hermit Tree continues to bring roots-oriented songs to new audiences and new times. Featuring the two-time Arizona state fiddling champion and an award-winning bluegrass vocalist, The Hermit Tree paints existential landscapes with stirring melodies and crystal-pure harmonies on an earthy string-folk canvas.
David Berens (acoustic guitar, 12 string guitar)
David is a Psychology Junior at the University of Arizona. A self-taught musician, he grew up playing acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and bass in the Christian music community.
Matt Rolland (Fiddle, Mandolin, Acoustic Guitar)
Matt is a Senior in Economics and International Studies at the University of Arizona. Matt learned fiddle from his musical parents. His father, Dr. Peter Rolland, is an active fiddle teacher and performer in the Southwest and his mother a classical cellist and orchestra teacher. Matt is a two-time Arizona state fiddle champion, has placed among the top ten at the National Fiddlers’ Contest in Weiser Idaho and is a National Alternative Styles Award winner (American Strings Teacher Association). In addition to pursuing the old-time fiddle, Appalachian, Bluegrass, and Celtic fiddle traditions, Matt plays Russian folk music with the Arizona Balalaika Orchestra in Tucson.
Bekah Sandoval (Vocals, Piano, Fiddle)
Bekah is a English Junior at the University of Arizona. Bekah grew up singing and playing bluegrass music with her family group, Mazatzal. She performs regularly throughout Arizona at bluegrass festivals and venues and has won numerous awards for her singing. In addition to The Hermit Tree, Bekah sings with Dorian Well.
Daniel Sullivan (Djembe, Drums, Hand Percussion, Vocals)
Daniel is a PhD candidate in Social Psychology at University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. A poet turned musician, Daniel developed a love for Irish music from his grandfather. He began drumming at a young age. Daniel has become an avid song writer, contributing much lyrical depth to The Hermit Tree’s music.
Bob Hanshaw (Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass)
Bob is a Linguistics Junior at the University of Arizona. Bob grew up playing jazz guitar in the Tucson community. In addition to providing bass and dancing excitement to the Hermit Tree, Bob tours and sings with his other band Boreas which just released their first album, Hymns and Lies.