Gary Upton — Double Bass & Vocals
As the bassist and founder, Gary Upton brings deep feel, clarity, and pulse to Beyond Dixon’s sound. Trained in Jazz Studies at WCSU, his playing is rooted in jazz language but shaped by a lifetime of exploring tone and rhythm across genres. His bass work blends instinct and intention—locking in the groove with the kind of touch that comes only from years of listening and serving the instrument and song.
Before finding a home in bluegrass, Gary performed as a jazz bassist, solo indie guitarist, and producer/musician across EDM, rock, indie, pop, and singer-songwriter projects. He is also the founder of Upton Bass String Instrument Co., where his understanding of resonance, feel, and craftsmanship informs both the instruments he builds and the music he plays. Whatever the setting, his compass stays the same: build the foundation and make it feel good. If it has a bass in it, Gary loves it.
Old Roots. New Roads. Beyond Dixon
Cab Burkhardt — Guitar & Vocals
Cab Burkhardt brings drive, clarity, and fire to Beyond Dixon’s sound. A powerful flatpicker and compelling vocalist, Cab blends traditional bluegrass language with modern feel—anchoring the band’s rhythm while pushing arrangements forward with precision and taste.
Rooted in classic string-band tradition but unafraid of edge, Cab’s playing is clean, assertive, and rhythmically locked. His vocal approach complements the band’s harmonies with strength and grit, giving Beyond Dixon its forward motion and bite.
As a core creative partner in Beyond Dixon, Cab helps shape the band’s arrangements, repertoire, and overall direction—balancing respect for the tradition with a contemporary sensibility that keeps the music moving.
Old Roots. New Roads. Beyond Dixon
Caleb Isreal Swan — Fiddle & Mandolin
Caleb Swan brings precision, lift, and melodic authority to Beyond Dixon on fiddle and mandolin. His playing is rooted in traditional bluegrass phrasing, with clean intonation and strong rhythmic drive that locks tightly with the band’s groove.
Equally comfortable leading or supporting, Caleb shapes arrangements with tasteful fills, strong harmony instincts, and dynamic control. His fiddle lines add urgency and emotional contour, while his mandolin work provides punchy chop and articulate lead breaks when needed.
As a core creative voice alongside Gary Upton and Cab Burkhardt, Caleb helps define Beyond Dixon’s sound—balancing tradition with forward motion and giving the band its melodic spine.
Old Roots. New Roads. Beyond Dixon
Maxwell Petersen— Banjo
Maxwell Petersen is a Boston-based banjoist and educator with roots in traditional and progressive five-string styles. Raised in the Finger Lakes region of New York, he began learning Scruggs and melodic style banjo from his neighbor. After putting the banjo down and pursuing a career in engineering, Maxwell found himself attending bluegrass jams in Seattle. Playing music with others reignited his passion for the banjo and Maxwell quickly went all in.
Now a graduate of the American Roots Music Program at Berklee College of Music, Maxwell brings a thoughtful, grounded approach to rhythm, tone, and ensemble playing. His style balances drive and clarity with a deep respect for tradition, making him equally at home supporting songs or exploring the boundaries of instrumental music.
Old Roots. New Roads. Beyond Dixon
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Max Wareham — Banjo
Max Wareham brings authority, depth, and old-soul musicality to Beyond Dixon’s banjo sound. Steeped in traditional bluegrass and old-time language, his playing emphasizes tone, timing, and melodic clarity over flash.
Max’s banjo work provides a strong rhythmic engine and a grounded, roots-forward character, giving the band a classic feel with modern precision. His sensitivity to ensemble balance makes him equally effective driving hard or laying back to support vocals and fiddle.
As a rotating banjoist, Max contributes a traditional anchor point that reinforces Beyond Dixon’s connection to bluegrass lineage while maintaining momentum and polish.
Old Roots. New Roads. Beyond Dixon
In Memory of Gabe Hershfeld
Gabe Hershfeld was a supporting founding member of Beyond Dixon and helped start and encouraged the band forming at Smoots. Though he never made it to the stage with us, his presence, musical style, deep kindness and belief were part of our foundation from the very beginning.
Just as the band got going our dear friend had to put his instrument down for some time, many of our banjo friends—Max Wareham, Maxwell Peterson, and others—kept that seat warm. That place was Gabe’s first.
We remain forever grateful for Gabes role in starting Beyond Dixon and for the music we shared before the curtain ever went up.
Old Roots. New Roads. Beyond Dixon