BAND SPOTLIGHT | The Way Down Wanderers

Originally from Peoria and now based out of Chicago, this active and alternative folk quintet is on the move. Bandmates Austin Thompson (vocals, guitar), Collin Krause (vocals, mandolin, violin, electric guitar), Ben Montalbano (vocals, banjo), John Williams (vocals, upright bass) and John Merikoski (drums, percussion) blend influences from bluegrass, jazz, classical, rap, rock and you-name-it into a stunning amalgam of brazen Americana based in folk traditions. Half-brothers Montalbano and Krause met for the first time five years ago, surprised to learn each was working on a career in music with similar tastes and aspirations. They’ve combined the familial with the familiar, building a band of brothers in arms destined to branch out into a larger community. The summer is full of gigs at festivals, bars, fairs and events throughout the Midwest from Ohio to Missouri, Wisconsin to Nebraska, geared to spread the word of this exciting band on the rise, just beginning to hit a stride destined to take them places.