Packway Handle was formed in 2000 after jamming at a late night bluegrass pickin' party. The group immediately started playing shows around Georgia and then Colorado. The best way to describe the music is original bluegrass with colors of traditional, experimental, groove, jam, and funkiness blended together. The group has won several awards since their recent development to include being finalist at the Telluride Bluegrass competition 2 years in a row, winners of the Miller Lite Southeast Music Search, and voted Best Bluegrass Band in Athens, GA 2003. The band currently has their first album 'Chaff Harvest' available on their website and has plans to re-enter the studio for a sophmore attempt. If you are looking for good bluegrass, you have found it with Packway Handle.

The band consists of Doug Baker on banjo, Josh Erwin on guitar, Michael Paynter on mandolin, Chris Holliday on upright bass, and Andrew Heaton on fiddle. The electrifying picking styles and vocal harmonies sets this group apart from others simply because it is good, quality music that only can be produced when these guys get together for a magical encounter.

The band has played extensively in Colorado because that is where all of their major influences and friends reside. Bands such as Yonder Mountain String Band, Shanti Groove, Hot Buttered Rum String Band, Hit and Run Bluegrass, The Wayfarers, Single Malt Band, and Leftover Salmon have given much support and are the kindest people on the planet. Eventually, Packway Handle will move out to Colorado perhaps in 2005 because of the support the fans out there have shown.