Drew Emmitt is an American mandolinist, guitarist, fiddle player, occasional flutist, and singer. After completing high school, he enrolled at the University of Colorado and in 1984 formed the bluegrass ensemble Left Hand String Band, inspired by a local area in the state. Around 1990, he joined Vince Herman to co-found the jam band Leftover Salmon, which gained recognition as a dynamic live act. Known for his fast mandolin playing style, Emmitt has collaborated with musicians such as Peter Rowan, John Cowan, and Neil Young. He released his debut solo album “Freedom Ride” in 2002 on Compass Records, followed by additional solo work, and formed the Drew Emmitt Band in the mid-2000s as well as the Emmitt-Nershi Band with Bill Nershi in 2007.
