Run Boy Run

Run Boy Run is a bluegrass band out of Arizona that plays a combination of traditional bluegrass music with original works presented with three part vocal harmony. The members include Matt Rolland on fiddle, Grace Rolland on cello and vocals, Jennifer Sandoval on mandolin and vocals, Bekah Sandoval on fiddle, guitar and vocals and Jesse Allen on bass. Their recent appearances on ‘A Prairie Home Companion’ have brought them national attention.

The Rollands and Sandovals had known each other for many years, as they had often been at bluegrass festivals where the Sandovals’ father had played. Matt and the Sandovals were all at the University of Arizona and held informal jam sessions with Jesse busking on a corner around the campus when he was asked to join in. In 2009, just a month or so after forming the group, they won the band contest at the Flagstaff Pickin’ in the Pines Acoustic Music Festival, which got them started. Two years later they won the Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Contest, putting them on the list with previous winners such as the Dixie Chicks and Nickel Creek. Matt and Grace are siblings, as are Jen and Bekah with Bekah and Matt now married.

Listen for Matt Watroba’s interview with Run Boy Run and enjoy videos recorded in the Folk Alley studios.