The Band
The LouGrass Band isn't just your grandpa's music. While we honor the traditions of Americana, Folk and Bluegrass with quick picking and soulful harmonies, our St. Louis based group injects music with a distinctly Midwestern flavor, creating a sound that's both familiar and refreshingly new. That's the magic of The LouGrass Band.
Hailing from the River City, a city known for its rich musical heritage, The LouGrass Band draws inspiration from the diverse sounds that permeate the region. You can hear hints of blues, folk, and even a touch of rock influence woven into intricate arrangements. This fusion of styles gives the music a unique edge, setting us apart from more traditional bluegrass acts.
Beyond our musical prowess, The LouGrass Band is known for energetic and engaging live performances. You'll find yourself clapping along, singing the choruses, and feeling like you're part of the LouGrass family.
Mark Nienaber
Mandolin
Vocals
Mark is a mandolin player and a songwriter. He has been singing and playing his original music in the St. Louis region for over 25 years. His influences range from bluegrass to blues and from folk to funk. Mark has played in many bands, including RFT’s Best Bluegrass Band in 2005 - The Sawmill Band.
Nathan Barger
Bull Fiddle
Vocals
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Nathan grew up playing music since the age of 8 when his grandparents bought him a little guitar. Since then, he has played in SLUH high school bands, learned the flute, electric bass, and ultimately the upright bass. His passion for fast-paced bluegrass is only exceeded by his love for his wife, daughter, and twin boys who currently live in the St. Louis area. He has experience playing upright bass locally for bluegrass/Americana bands The Muddy River Ramblers and the Wandering Trails opening for acts such as Split Lip Rayfield and Leftover Salmon (Festivaaaal!) Live music is the heart and soul of this bass fiddle player, and he catches live shows at every opportunity, especially local shows by local musicians.
Okan Yavuz
Guitar
Vocals
Born in Ankara, Türkiye, Okan discovered a passion for music during his formative years at a boarding school in Istanbul. What began as casual singing and guitar playing during his freshman year quickly evolved into a serious pursuit. By his third year of high school, he had formed his first band, marking the start of a lifelong musical journey.
Initially rooted in rock, Okan's musical tastes expanded to embrace the intricate rhythms and emotive storytelling of flamenco as well as the refined discipline of classical guitar. This exploration broadened his stylistic range and deepened his connection to the instrument.
In 2013, Okan became a core member of the Muddy River Ramblers, a bluegrass band located in St. Louis, Missouri. As both a rhythm and solo guitarist, he contributed to the group’s distinct sound.
Today, Okan continues to blend his diverse influences into a unique and expressive musical voice, performing and evolving as the guitarist for The LouGrass Band.
Joe Marcallini
Banjo
Dobro
Joe is a Lou native, raised in The Hill Neighborhood of south St. Louis, Missouri. He was originally trained on guitar, with his best friend in 2nd grade, by their homeroom teacher. Playing mostly acoustic folk, country, bluegrass and church songs through his early years, he was given an electric guitar in junior high school and started to play rock and roll, blues and then jam band music through high school. In college, Joe picked up the mandolin and joined up with Mark Nienaber and friends to create The Sawmill Band. After having kids and focusing on his amazing family, Joe took a sabbatical for a while. Then, after the passing of the Sawmill Band's banjo player (Andy Rice), Joe made it a mission to get back into the music scene and pick up the Banjo and Dobro to keep the music alive.