The Big Sky Stringband is a Midwest regional touring folk-rock band that performs a broad collection of original American roots music, traditional songs, and unique covers. Founded by Jay Stanek (guitarist/vocals) and Chris Meier (mandolin/vocals), the band builds a new generation of folk-rock and jam music around its core strengths: solid songwriting and textured grooves. With Brandon Cochran (lead guitar/vocals), Dick Mallory (fretless bass), and Zach Malasto (drums), the Chicago-based quintet stands on the shoulders of Americana music with only the big sky above.

Big Sky Ramblin: An Interview With Jay Stanek and Chris Meier
The Barn Presents hosted one heck of a cool night with Big Sky Stringband on May 15. Prior to that show, Big Sky's Jay Stanek and Chris Meier spent some time chatting with The Barn about their time in Champaign, what makes a good cover song, what the heck we're singing about in "Dialog with John," and a whole bunch more. You can read the entire interview here. And while you're there, take an in-depth look at the lyrics of "Rich Koz," complete with links to the things we sing about in that song.

Big Sky Stringband Interview on Chicago Music Guide
Big Sky Stringband is the featured band on Chicago Music Guide, complete with a wide-ranging interview that answers the important questions: What would happen if Dick ran sound for Lionel Richie? Why do we call ourselves a string band? What does our sound offer for people? What's in the cards for the future of Big Sky Stringband? Plus a whole lot more...

Big Sky's "Turning of the Wheel" available on iTunes & CDBaby
The band's a 6-song EP is available through iTunes, , CDBaby, or at live shows. The collection includes concert staples Slow Train, Eric Heywood, Dialog with John, Sherman Hemsley, Get Down Boys, and Rich Koz.

Jay Stanek Releases Debut Solo Album
Big Sky's very own Jay Stanek has released a full-length solo album. The album features 13 original songs with Stanek on vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, piano, bass, and banjo. He's joined on several songs by current and former members of Big Sky Stringband, and many of 1140's songs have found their way into the Big Sky live repertoire. The album is available for purchase or download at CDBaby, iTunes, or at live shows.

Big Sky featured on Chicago Acoustic Underground
Big Sky Stringband stopped in at the Chicago Acoustic Underground studio to record 4 songs for a podcast and we all got a bit carried away and an hour later we had one heck of a live, in-studio performance to share with y'all! You can download it in its entirety from the CAU Web site.