Formed in 1991, A New Shade of Blue has been a defining force in East Coast bluegrass for more than three decades. With the exceptional musicianship of Dean Simm, Todd Macumber, Brett Decker, and the late Craig Simm, the band became a staple of the Maritime and New England festival circuits, earning multiple bluegrass awards and the admiration of audiences far and wide.
Today, A New Shade of Blue continues to evolve while honouring the spirit of the music they love. With the incomparable Terry Mumford performing bass duties for many years, and now Allison and Kayleigh Simm joining on vocals, the group brings a new depth of harmony to their signature sound, blending seasoned craftsmanship with fresh energy and heartfelt storytelling.
Their sound is rooted in the heart of tradition — driving instrumentation, warm acoustic tones, and soaring vocal harmonies — yet they’ve always carried a spark of originality that sets them apart. From intimate halls in the Maritimes to major festivals across Ontario and Maine, their music has inspired generations of bluegrass lovers and left an unmistakable mark on the scene.
Fun Fact: In 2021, A New Shade of Blue celebrated an extraordinary milestone - 30 years together - a rare achievement in today’s music world. Over the decades, they’ve shared stages with some of the biggest names in bluegrass and roots music, building a legacy of heartfelt, high‑energy performances that linger long after the final note fades.
Beloved by Nova Scotian audiences since the ’90s, A New Shade of Blue’s reunion on the Ardoise stage in 2023 - followed by a legendary late‑night jam in 2025 - made one thing clear: they’re back, and they’re not done yet.
More than performers, they are keepers of tradition — musicians who carry forward the timeless soul of bluegrass while giving it a vibrant new shade all their own.