Punch Brothers announced the departure of founding member and fiddler Gabe Witcher. Mandolinist Chris Thile, banjoist Noam Pikelny, guitarist Chris Eldridge and bassist Paul Kowert will welcome renowned fiddler Brittany Haas to the fold following Witcher’s final performance with the band at this year’s Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
Telluride Bluegrass will be a fitting last show for Witcher as the band noted in their social media post that the always highly collaborative festival was where the idea for Punch Brothers came to fruition. Read the full note from the band below:
Dearest Punch Kin,
We wanted to share some news with you: our beloved bandmate of all 18 years of Punch Brothers, Gabe Witcher, has decided it’s time for the next step in his musical journey. We feel so lucky to have been able to build this band with him, and will continue to look to him for inspiration as we move forward with a new sibling: the extraordinary Brittany Haas.
Our last shows with Gabe will be at this year’s Telluride Bluegrass Festival (where the idea for Punch Brothers was born!), so you’ll be able to join us in celebrating his ongoing awesomeness via KOTO-FM‘s live stream of our main stage set Sunday, June 18th.
Gabbers, we love you and are forever in awe of you. We can’t WAIT to hear what’s next!
Britt, WELCOME ABOARD!!! You’re freaking amazing and we’re so SO excited to start mixing up the next batch of Punch with you.
Gratefully y’all’s,
Punch Brothers
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Brittany Haas toured with legendary fiddler Darol Anger‘s Republic of Strings when she was young and later played with the Boston-based band Crooked Still. Along with numerous appearances with Punch Bros frontman Chris Thile during his tenure hosting NPR’s Live From Here, Brittany has also played in a trio with Punch bassist Paul Kowert.
Gabe’s final performance with Punch Brothers at Telluride Bluegrass Festival is the only show the band has on the books in 2023 so far. As noted in the statement, tune in to listen to the set on Sunday, June 18 via KOTO.org.
