Gig Bag: Mandolin Orange

Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, we look at what Mandolin Orange's Emily Frantz has to have handy when she's out on the road. Check out Mandolin Orange's tour dates here.


Compression socks: Whether we're plane-hopping or cruising from San Diego to Portland, compression socks are a tour must-have. They're great for circulation and prevent any leg fatigue or feet swelling that some of us are prone to. I wear them almost every day. 


Long-ass charger: We've recently upsized our van and this ultra-long USB charger cable is a life saver when you're holding it down in the backseat. 


Folding yoga mat: Last summer, we played at a yoga festival. I picked up this super-thin but super-grippy yoga mat and I haven't gone on a trip without it since. It folds up to be just the size of a pair of jeans. Game changer! 


Siminoff strings: Andrew has been a proud endorser of Siminoff mandolin strings for the last couple of years. We always pack loads of extra strings … both for the mandolin tones and to share with the world of mandoliners who we meet along the way. 


Pick sack: In true acoustic musician form, we are lost in the pick-nerd abyss. We're pretty dedicated to Wegens and Bluechips, but there's a constant evolution of weight/thickness/shape preference, etc. We come prepared. 


Lede photo by Scott McCormick. All other photos by Emily Frantz.

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Get Off Your Ass: March

From now until the end of time, we'll be asking you to Get Off Your Ass with monthly concert picks. We're taking a look at the top shows we want to see in L.A., Nashville, and New York.

Darlingside // March 2 // Hotel Cafe // Tickets

Darlingside’s dreamy, one-voice harmonies drive the engine of the group’s self-described “string rock.” Their latest, Not to Disappear, is out now.

Leon Bridges with Son Little // March 19-20 // The Wiltern // Tickets

Bridges is the hottest act around with a vintage flare and Sam Cooke-esque, swoon-worthy vocals while opener Son Little puts an urban edge on to his version of nostalgic soul.

Elephant Revival & Mandolin Orange // March 24 // The Troubadour // Tickets

The diversified music of Elephant Revival incorporates influences from Celtic music to jazz to reggae to create a rounded-out genre of folk. The duo Mandolin Orange continue to maximize their beautifully throaty harmonies and classic bluegrass-folk.

Daughter // March 25 // The Theater at Ace Hotel // Tickets

A glorious blend of folk vocals and soft electronics provide a foundation for the quiet celestial music from Daughter.

Anders Osborne (with Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds) // March 31 // The Troubadour // Tickets

Osborne strokes a rockin’ blues guitar that could feel at home in a swamp-side bar near the bayou and Sister Sparrow (and her Dirty Birds) bring sparkling funk and soul to match as a supporting act.

Elizabeth Cook (with special guests) // March Residency (March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) // The 5 Spot // Tickets

A member of the Grand Ole Opry family for over 15 years, Miss Cook showcases bright, tight country vocals with honest songwriting.

Deer Tick with Mutual Benefit // March 2 // City Winery // Tickets

Deer Tick’s party energy and riff-raff vibes mixed with an introduction by Mutual Benefit’s psychedelic, scenic sounds come together for an enveloping evening at City Winery.

Tedeschi Trucks Band // March 3-5 // Ryman Auditorium // Tickets

Hot on the tail of their latest album release, Let Me Get By, Tedeschi Trucks brings yet another perfectly aged and blended batch of soulfulness, twang, and rock.

John Prine // March 11-12 // Ryman Auditorium // Tickets

The immensely talented John Prine brings his timeless storytelling to the music cathedral of Nashville.

The Life and Songs of Kris Kristofferson feat. Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Ryan Bingham, Rosanne Cash, Eric Church, Emmylou Harris, Jamey Johnson, Willie Nelson, Darius Rucker, Trisha Yearwood, and more. // March 16 // Bridgestone Arena // Tickets

A killer lineup of legends paying tribute to a master songwriter in Kristofferson … all in one night.

HoneyHoney // March 2 // Knitting Factory // Tickets

Rock 'n' roll with twang coloring, vocalist Suzanne Santo brings a dark rasp layered on heavier guitar, drums, and bass that contrasts the plucking of a banjo beautifully.

Jim Campilongo with Nels Cline, Chris Morrissey, and Josh Dion // March Mondays (March 7, 14, 21, 28) // Rockwood Stage 2 // Free

Campilongo’s tunes are a melt-worthy layer cake of bending blues guitar, jazz improvisation, and country swing.

Judah and the Lion // March 31 // Gramercy Theatre // Tickets

If you’re missing the early sound of Mumford and Sons, Judah and the Lion homes in on the energy of nu-folk pushed by rolling banjo and filled out with warm strings and harmonies.

Jake Bugg // March 21 // Bowery Ballroom // Tickets

You’d most certainly recognize this Brit’s song “Lightning Bolt,” but take a listen to his new single, “On My One,” and feel the depth of '60s/'70s folk and blues echoing throughout.

Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn // March 1 // 92nd Street Y // Tickets

With another Grammy to add to their collection — for Best Folk Album 2016 — the husband/wife duo combines an epic musicianship of the banjo with an innovative and diverse playfulness that makes each performance from them truly magical. GO and see the sparks fly.

Get Off Your Ass! It’s 2016!

From now until the end of time, we'll be asking you to Get Off Your Ass with monthly concert picks. We're taking a look at the top shows we want to see in L.A., Nashville, and New York.

Goodnight, Texas & Whiskey Shivers // January 5 // Bootleg Theater // Tickets

The pairing of Goodnight, Texas’s rich, dark molasses sound with the shinier plucking and crooning of Whiskey Shivers provides an incredibly interesting mix for a night out.

Josh Ritter & the Royal City Band // January 19 // The Fonda // Tickets

Ritter and the gang are full steam ahead promoting the new album, Sermon on the Rocks, that’s full of dance-worthy and sing-along pop/rock tunes.

The Wood Brothers // January 21 // El Rey Theater // Tickets

Paradise is indeed that, another paradise for fans of the feel-good harmonies and scratchy, full voices of the Wood Brothers.

Dawes // January 23 // The Theater at Ace Hotel // Tickets

Dawes is heading to L.A. for the last U.S. date of their tour and this homecoming is definitely going to be an awesome party, celebrating the quality romanticized roots that the group has defined for themselves.

The Devil Makes Three // January 29 // The Wiltern // Tickets

TDMT hones in on the old-time sound they’ve perfected, but with a heavy lean into smooth country twang on their latest release, I’m a Stranger Here.

New Year’s Day Extravaganza with Langhorne Slim and Friends // January 1 // City Winery // Tickets

There’s a fireball trail of sass and growling vocals wherever Mr. Slim and his friends go — making him the perfect performer to jumpstart your 2016.

Smooth Hound Smith // January 15 // Exit/In // Tickets

Equally capable of rocking guitar-picking lullabies as they are sliding blues songs, come join the band for the release of their anticipated sophomore album.

Chris Young, Ashley Monroe, and Michael Ray // January 15 // Opry at the Ryman // Tickets

Take in an evening at the historic Ryman featuring Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Ashley Monroe and velvety country crooner Chris Young (and many more!).

Jordan Hull // January 17 // Bluebird Café // Tickets

Somewhat of a self-proclaimed music archaeologist with a vast interest in the country/folk poets of former generations, Hull’s indie tunes showcase a wise storytelling that sound well beyond his years.

Sonia Leigh with Daphne Willis // January 21 // 3rd and Lindsley // Tickets

The gritty and powerfully voiced country anthems of Sonia Leigh team up with the alt-pop quirkiness of Daphne Willis.

Mandolin Orange with Nora Jane Struthers & the Party Line // Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2) // January 15 // Tickets

Folk-roots duo Mandolin Orange teams up with folk-country singer Struthers (think an electric Patty Griffin meets Dixie Chicks) for a cozy performance on the main stage of Rockwood.

St. Paul and the Broken Bones // Bowery Ballroom // January 16 // Tickets

Get up and get your soul on with electric and heartfelt vibes that transcend any audience with the pleasure of watching the magic of St. Paul and the Broken Bones.

Hootenanny (various artists) // Jalopy Theater // January 16 // Tickets

If you haven’t had the opportunity to take in a performance at the Jalopy, the Hootenanny is an excellent starting point providing an evening filled with community, lots of musical friends, and collaborations.

Bumper Jacksons // Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 3) // January 18 // Tickets

The Bumper Jacksons are your must-see for the month, if you’re craving a ragtime country group that has their priorities damn straight with songs about whiskey and their adoration for bacon.