Castino was the primary songwriter for legendary Minnesota jam band The Big Wu; during the period of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, he started collaborating with Milwaukee bluegrass band Chicken Wire Empire on new, bluegrass versions of some of his Big Wu tunes that would become an album, Fresh Pickles. The release features notable guests including Jerry Douglas, Peter Rowan, Keller Williams, and Tim O’Brien. Castino and the band stopped by our studios for an interview and performance on July 15, 2022 on their way up the shore to perform as part of the first annual Lutsong Music Festival at Lutsen. They also perform on Saturday, July 16 at the Big Top Chautauqua.
Live from Studio A: Chris Castino with Chicken Wire Empire
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Christine Dean