Welcome West is a modern American string band. Their sound is steeped in tradition while pushing the boundaries of the string band form and dipping into the many influences from their eclectic collective of musicians. The group emerged organically from an outdoor bluegrass jam started by banjo player Scott Linford and mandolin player Manny Kaminer during the COVID-19 quarantine. Initially, the band was named Mandolin Manny. After a few years of evolving lineups and musical direction, the band was unrecognizable from its original form and, most notably, saw the departure of the mandolin entirely from their lineup. The dust ultimately settled on a new name, Welcome West, inspired by the first radio station to broadcast music in the South–WSB–Welcome South Brother.
In late 2020, Welcome West released the first of two EPs. They wrote most of the songs, which represent a longing to wander and be free during quarantine. This EP was followed in spring 2022 with a second, three-song EP titled “Here’s to You.” The songs featured on this latest EP reflect an appreciation for the people in their lives and the realities of time’s passing.
Welcome West can be found performing all around the Central Valley and northern regions of California.