West 45 Bluegrass

West 45 plays hard-driving contemporary bluegrass. Based in Norther California, this multi-generational band is more than the sum of its parts: fresh and experienced, fun and serious, open-minded and traditional. Mei Lin Heirendt (age 17) and Ida Winfree (age 18) front the band and serve as principal vocalists, playing fiddle and mandolin respectively. Both young women have served as the Youth Ambassador for the California Bluegrass Association. They are supported by Hal Horn on bajo and vocals, Bruce Lacey on bass, and Jason Winfree on guitar and vocals. The band has the honor of being a California Showcase act for the California Bluegrass Association’s 2023 Father’s Day Festival in Grass Valley.

Mei Lin Heirendt started playing classical violin at age seven. She was the 2017 Concertmaster for the Music in the Mountains Youth Orchestra. Since then, she has focused primarily on bluegrass. She also performs with the popular jamgrass band…