The Mammals

About This Event

Co-founded by Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar (daughter of fiddle legend Jay Ungar), The Mammals emerged in the early 2000s with a mission: revive the rebel soul of Americana, and give it something real to say. Known for rafter-raising performances, hear-a-pin-drop balladry, and a rare ability to move crowds from dancing to reflecting and back again. The Mammals bring high-energy, heart-forward Americana that bridges audiences of all ages. With string-band fire, indie-folk depth, and socially conscious storytelling they create a live experience that’s both a celebration and a call to connection. Their 2025 double album, Touch Grass Vol. 1 & 2, explores freedom, kinship, and cultural repair. “Anchored in the fertile folk traditions of the Hudson Valley, this fiercely independent band blends string-band swagger with indie-folk heart and a radical spirit that feels both deeply rooted and urgently current. Their songs straddle the personal and political, moving from love ballads and front porch reflections to rally cries for environmental justice, labor rights, and community healing. It’s protest music with hooks—think Pete Seeger meets Wilco at a modern hootenanny. Their harmonies ache,…

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