The Green Thieves are an Americana band with a bluegrass soul
By Miranda Steadman | Contributing Writer
The Green Thieves are a collection of hyper-talented local musicians who have come together to form one band that has both the ability to soothe a stressed soul and liven you up with some good old rock ‘n’ roll. You can catch them live at Rita’s Seaside Grille this month on Saturday, May 19.
The Green Thieves, who started jamming two years ago, are also regular fixtures on other local stages, such as Surf Bar and Tattooed Señorita Cantina as well as The Southern and Art’s Bar & Grill in Mt. Pleasant. This summer, look for upcoming shows on the deck of The Charleston Pour House on James Island.
The Green Thieves are comprised of vocalist and guitarist Matt Pertuset, guitarist TJ Dildy, drummer Jack Friel, and Ellie Jos on the violin.
Pertuset started playing music for friends while in college at Winthrop University in Rock Hill and began performing seriously about six years ago. When Pertuset’s son fell ill with Leukemia, he began organizing and playing donation based events to raise funds for his treatment.
“I became more conscious and aware that these type of things happen to people and we’d like to use our music to help people in need,” says Pertuset. It’s a realization and philosophy that has served the Green Thieves well. It’s also an understanding that music has power to make a positive impact on the world.
In the spirit of making positive changes, the name of the band is actually a reference to the folk hero Robin Hood and his selfless valor to help the less fortunate.
An Americana band with a bluegrass soul, The Green Thieves consider their greatest influences to be The Avett Brothers, Old Crow Medicine Show, and local favorites Shovels & Rope.
While Pertuset writes the majority of the band’s lyrics, much of their performances are improvisational jams. During a live performance, you might hear hits by everyone from The Beatles, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Rolling Stones to jam bands such as The Grateful Dead, Phish, and Widespread Panic to bluegrass bands Trampled By Turtles and The Devil Makes Three.
The Green Thieves often collaborates with local musicians Allen Brisson on saxophone and keys and Bob Crawford on standup bass. They also often perform with fellow Charleston musicians such as Brent Poulson from The Travelin Kine and Oliver Goldstein from The Dead 27’s.
Every spring, The Green Thieves play the closing ceremony at the annual Foxhunt at Middleton Place in West Ashley. Their sound offers a uniquely natural identity coming from the strings of Jos’s violin. Classically trained, Jos has been encouraged by the local folk band and music instructors The Hungry Monks and now performs with The North Charleston Pops Orchestra and The South Carolina Philharmonic Symphony.
Jos’s classical style mixes well with guitarist Dildy’s jam band side. Dildy used to play with seasoned touring band Medicine Hat and currently plays with the local band Junco Partner.
With this much talent in one band, don’t be surprised if The Green Thieves steal your heart.
