Gerard Erker, Emily Wallace and Allie Kral
Gerard Erker (of The Mighty Pines), Emily Wallace and Allie Kral (formerly of Yonder Mountain String Band) are teaming up to bring an acoustic listening room trio show to Blue Strawberry.
Gerard Erker is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and founding member of the award winning Roots-Rock & Bluegrass band The Mighty Pines. Gerard has toured extensively across the United States since 2013, refining his skills as a performer and entertainer. He has shared the stage with members of Railroad Earth, Leftover Salmon, Dark Star Orchestra, Sam Bush, Trey Anastasio Band, Greensky Bluegrass, Yonder Mountain String Band, to name a few. He is proficient at mandolin, guitar, fiddle, clawhammer banjo, electric mandolin, and as a vocalist.
He released a record called "Late Last Night" with The Mighty Pines in June, 2020. The record features many songs written by Gerard, and was produced by Grammy Award winning producer and musician, Steve Berlin of Los Lobos.
In September 2023, Gerard released his first single under his own name. The song is called "Hey KDHX!" and it is protest song in reference to the controversial mass firings and strikes occurring at our local St. Louis community radio station.
Emily Wallace is a visual artist and singer songwriter based out of St. Louis. Wallace’s dynamic and powerhouse vocals have become a staple in the local music scene lending itself to collaborations with bands such as the Funky Butt Brass Band and Dave Grelle’s Playadors. She frequently performs solo with her acoustic guitar around town and is currently working on an album at Sawhorse Studios.
When it comes to the fiddle, Allie Kral is in a league all her own. A classically trained violinist since before she can remember, Allie has played internationally on thousands of stages with the biggest names in country, bluegrass, jam, classical music, rock, and more.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Allie was heavily influenced by classical music as a child. She found jam bands through the Grateful Dead, and was attracted to the improvisational nature of the music. Allie also loved performing live, and enjoyed the fact that every live performance was fresh and unique.
Allie Kral is currently an independent artist, fiddlin’ around everywhere! You never know when she will show up as Artist at Large or as a special guest!
Allie has previously played with the band Yonder Mountain String Band from 2014 to 2022 and Cornmeal from 2003 to 2013. She has shared the stage with musical acts such as Moe., Tea Leaf Green, Railroad Earth, Warren Haynes, Big Head Todd, Great American Taxi, Hot Buttered Rum, Trampled By Turtles, Green Mountain Grass, New Monsoon, Leftover Salmon, Keller Williams, and many others!
She has recorded with Yonder Mountain String Band, Cornmeal, Moe., Al and the Transamericans, Trevor Garrod, The Aaron Williams Band, Green Mountain Grass, Bridget Lyons, and many others!
