Bluegrass Hipsters: Not an Oxymoron

Many folks cringe when they hear the word "bluegrass." But not LAist. We love listening to a certain Southern California-based trio that's burned through the banjo-playing, Deliverance-esque stereotype. Nickel Creek -- lead singer/mandolinist Chris Thile, violinist Sara Watkins and guitarist Sean Watkins (her brother) -- have created a progressive folk-pop sound that builds upon their bluegrass roots. Their crossover appeal has even led to a slot on the VH-1 playlist.

Nickel Creek released their third album "Why Should the Fire Die" (Sugar Hill Records) on August 9. They played a few warm-up gigs, including a couple nights in L.A. earlier this month, before the start of their national fall tour.

So for those who still want to see the trio in an intimate setting, catch them at Largo during the Watkins Family Hour Thursday night or see Thile solo with Jon Brion on Saturday night. Both nights are booked for dinner, so you'll have to wait in the usual Largo line on Fairfax.

But it'll be worth it.