Rollicking twin fiddles and bright country harmonies define the Mercury Dimes, a band of veteran musicians that emerged amid the late-20th-century explosion of acoustic old-time and bluegrass music in San Francisco. The Mercury Dimes were originally conceived as a touring band, and have traveled as far away as France to perform their seductive mix of Appalachian fiddle tunes, old-time ballads, and country blues. Over the past year the Mercury Dimes have kept busy by touring California (twice), touring France (again) and releasing their first long-playing CD, DIME-O-MITE! to international acclaim. The Mercury Dimes are available to enliven your wedding, square dance, coffee house, street fair, party, festival, corporate event, or rock club.

Elise Engelberg — Vocals, Fiddle

Kentucky born and bred fiddler, Elise Engelberg, started out as a classical violinist. After moving to California she finally found her bluegrass roots and began playing fiddle, banjo and guitar. Her love for teaching young children has afforded her a thriving music studio in San Francisco.

Mike Brown — Vocals, Bass - Member emeritus

Bass-player/Geologist Mike Brown is a classically trained pianist originally from Austin, TX. As a highly musical bassist, Mike plays in several SF-based bands. Note: Mike meets or exceeds all domestic and international standards for bass player height.

Jordan Ruyle — Vocals, Banjo, Guitar - Member Emeritus

Banjo/Guitar player Jordan Ruyle sampled many instruments (drums, bass and classical guitar) before falling in love with the banjo. Since then he has immersed himself in Old-Time music. He currently teaches banjo and guitar and on sunny days you just might find Jordan rowing a gondola on Oakland’s Lake Merritt.

Matt Knoth — Vocals, Guitar, Banjo

Guitarist and reluctant banjoist Matt Knoth comes from San Jose, CA. Overwhelmed by his father’s bluegrass collection since he was a kid, Matt has been listening to or playing string-band music his whole life. When not with the Dimes he composes soundtracks for documentary films.

Michael Follstad — Vocals, Fiddle, Mandolin - member emeritus

Corn and Bread in Milwaukee, drinking beer from the bottle, Michael Follstad’s love for music began at a young age. A jazz-trained guitarist, Michael has serious chops and has toured with Laurie Lewis. When not with a band, nor swinging his hammer, Michael uses every free moment to play fiddle.