Pickle Barrel

Fusing bluegrass, swing, country & classical

Pickle Barrel is a Truckee-based trio led by multi-instrumentalist Justin Eubanks. We spend our winters playing all over the Tahoe Region, and summers playing festivals across California, Oregon and Idaho.

“Ski fast, pick fast.”

Pickle Barrel’s unique musical background casts a wide net:

Justin Eubanks grew up in Colorado, surrounded by family and friends who were accomplished songwriters and bluegrass pickers. They each left an impression from an early age. After picking up the guitar as a young kid, he moved on to mandolin, fiddle, & pedal steel and never looked back, writing songs along the way. Justin spent the last chapter of his life performing and teaching in Portland, playing in a variety of bands around the Northwest. He released his debut solo album in 2023, and now calls Truckee home, performing all around the Tahoe region.

Elliot Kuhlman is a Georgia native and classically trained double-bassist who splits his time performing in the Boise and Reno Philharmonics. Elliot & Justin met in college and played in a Portland-based bluegrass band for a number of years, honing their skills and travelling the country. After getting his masters in classical bass, Elliot returned to performing Americana and Bluegrass alongside his Orchestra career.

Sam Purdom, the son of a Virginia preacher is the powerhouse behind our driving banjo and tight harmonies. Although we mostly feature Sam’s banjo playing, he can pick a mandolin or fiddle with the best of them. Along with his stint living in Zambia for the peace-corps, Sam’s lived in more states than we can count. His playing, singing and writing tell the story of a well-traveled soul.