I went to Wolverine State Brewing Co. Jan. 22 to catch a set by Wire In The Wood.

Wire In The Wood is a four-piece band from Ann Arbor. The band features Ryan Shea on standup bass, Billy Kirst on guitar, Kyle Rhodes on mandolin and Jordan Adema on fiddle. Wire In The Wood plays a progressive bluegrass style with Kirst and Rhodes doubling as vocalists. Both demonstrate a unique ability to harmonize with each other, easily singing over guitar strums and soulful fiddle strands.

"We're an acoustic band. We morph between jazz, bluegrass and rock, depending on the gig," said Kyle Rhodes.

The band plays a mix of covers and originals, most of which are written and arranged by Billy Kirst. "We're essentially a crazy rock band playing as a bluegrass quartet," said Kirst.

Wire In The Wood started when Kirst and Rhodes started playing together in 2005, adding Jordan Adema in 2008 and Ryan Shea about 9 months ago. Originally called The Bearded Ladies, the band "strives to create a musical atmosphere that is eclectic, driving and sincere," said Kirst.

Wire In The Wood is influenced by a diverse range of musical talent, ranging from Earth, Wind & Fire, multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird, guitarist and violinist Don "Sugarcane" Harris.

"It's hard for us to describe what we are. It would do us a favor if we had a complete music snob come and tell us what we are," said Kirst.

Fortunately, Gerard Konars, a patron at Wolverine State Brewing Company, was just that. "They are really good musicians and awfully nice guys." With that said, I couldn't enjoy the music or the company more.

If you would like to find more of this band's music, you can find it at wireinthewood.com