The Princeton Folk Music Society presents a fusion of American roots, classical, jazz, and world music with the Mike Block Trio. Hailed as a “supergroup,” the vocal and instrumental trio comprises pioneering cellist Mike Block, mandolinist Joe K. Walsh, and bassist Zachariah Hickman. Mike Block, called “one of the bravest, most intriguing musicians on the American fusion scene,” leads the trio in an exciting exploration of acoustic music that defies genre boundaries.
Mike Block is a celebrated member of the Silk Road Ensemble, collaborating with other eminent musicians, such as Yo-Yo Ma and Rhiannon Giddens. He was among the first wave of cellists to use a strap on his cello in order to be able to stand and move while playing. Mike was the first standing cellist to perform at Carnegie Hall, in a performance which The New York Times characterized as "breathless, half dance, half dare."
Bluegrass mandolinist Joe K. Walsh is known internationally as an exceptionally tasteful player from his work with the Gibson Brothers band, and from performing with his friend and legendary fiddler Darol Anger. Joe was the first mandolinist to graduate from the Berklee College of Music on that instrument. He returned to Berklee as a mandolin instructor, and as Managing Director of the American Roots Music Program.
Zachariah Hickman, a dynamic bassist and multi-instrumentalist, is known for his work with Josh Ritter and Ray Lamontagne. He received his formal training in jazz performance and composition from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. He also has produced and ringmastered his own circus, released his own brand of mustache wax, and runs a vaudeville style variety show.
“Never before have we heard the combination of these three instruments traverse such a wide breadth of music so effortlessly.” – WBUR (Boston).
“Chamber music stirred gently with a bluegrass spoon.” – Americana Highways
To hear the Mike Block Trio, visit: YouTube
8:00 pm. Friday, May 15, 2026, Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton, NJ. Advance ticket sales, live-stream access, and more information on our 2026 Concert Season at https://princetonfolk.org
Photo © Luke Zvara