YOU MIGHT CALL IT PUNCHGRASS: When Nickel Creek mandolinist Chris Thile stepped out to record his 2006 solo CD How To Grow A Woman From The Ground, he called some like-minded musicians to help him complete his vision. The musical chemistry and camaraderie compelled the group to solidify the project, taking the name \’93How To Grow A Band\’94 and later calling themselves \’93The Tensions Mountain Boys.\’94 Finally, the group settled on the name \’93Punch Brothers\’94 and the moniker stands to this day. On Saturday, Jan. 31, Chris Thile and Punch Brothers will perform at the Alys Stephens Center.\
In addition to Thile, bluegrass followers will quickly recognize the other musicians that comprise Punch Brothers \’96 Noam Pikelny (banjo), Gabe Witcher (fiddle), Chris Eldridge (guitar) and Paul Kowert (bass). Pikelny is known for his work in the high-profile roots band Leftover Salmon. In March 2007, Punch Brothers debuted Thile\’92s ambitious project \’93The Blind Leaving The Blind\’94 – a 40-minute suite in four movements \’96 at Carnegie Hall. In 2008, the group released the album Punch, a disc that displayed reverence for traditional bluegrass while tossing in elements of jazz, folk and classical music. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $25-$45 ($20 for UAB students) and can be purchased at www.alysstephens.uab.edu.