Marin County Breakdown is a family acoustic string band from the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Their repertoire is built with traditional bluegrass standards, original songs, and progressive tunes. With acoustic stringed instruments and tight vocal harmonies, hallmarks of the bluegrass style, their sound is consistent across different genres. The band members are Gary Millar (dad) on banjo and Julie Steier (mom) on mandolin, both veterans of the local bluegrass scene. Residents of Marin County for nearly 30 years, they are based in San Anselmo. Cory McClintic (nephew) from Los Altos plays guitar, delivering rich and tasteful solos and fills that are a highlight of their performances. Sarah Jo Millar (daughter) plays bass, and Daniel Coles (Sarah Jo’s husband) is on guitar; both reside in Santa Cruz. Together, Sarah Jo and Daniel have been writing new songs and are the driving force behind the band, ensuring tight and cohesive performances. Recently married in June, they have made Marin County Breakdown a genuine “family band.” Their harmony singing is especially heartfelt, creating authentic and engaging music.
Marin County Breakdown embodies the spirit of the California bluegrass community, with each member trading off singing lead and harmonies. Though they officially formed as a band in 2019, Cory and Sarah Jo have been playing music and singing with Julie and Gary at family gatherings since childhood. Today, they host jams, perform at California music festivals, and play fiddle tunes at 12,000 feet on the John Muir Trail during family backpacking trips. Whether performing at local Bay Area breweries or connecting with festival audiences, Marin County Breakdown demonstrates the power of music to bring families and communities together.