“Everyone was talking about how awesome they were! They were the hit of the night... a must-see, for sure!”
— Happy Client
Based in the heart of Summit County, Sugarcane Nellie is a high-altitude trio dedicated to the vintage sounds of traditional bluegrass and Western Swing. Formed after a chance meeting at a local jam, Chris Slaughter (guitar/vocals), Clair Anicito (fiddle/vocals), and Kevin Lovett (upright bass) turned a shared passion for acoustic music into a tight-knit musical partnership.
The band’s sound is a respectful nod to the masters—blending the drive of Jimmy Martin and Flatt & Scruggs with the sophisticated bounce of Bob Wills and the flatpicking elegance of Tony Rice. While rooted in the classics, they are increasingly carving out their own space with original songwriting that stays true to the tradition.
Above all, Sugarcane Nellie is a band of friends. That chemistry is palpable on stage, whether they are playing the South Park Bluegrass Festival, hosting a night at 10 Mile Music Hall, or rocking a private event.