Gary Upton — Double Bass & Vocals
As the bassist and founder of Beyond Dixon, Gary Upton brings a steady pulse and deep appreciation for the role of the upright bass in acoustic music. Although he studied Jazz at WCSU and spent years playing across different styles, much of the last 25 years was devoted to building Upton Bass into what it is today. During that time, performing took a back seat while instrument building, craftsmanship, and family became the focus.
Bluegrass brought Gary back to playing in a meaningful way. What began as a curiosity quickly turned into a genuine love for the music, the tradition, and especially the community surrounding it. As a newer voice in the bluegrass world, Gary approaches the music with respect, enthusiasm, and a constant desire to learn from the players around him.
Before Beyond Dixon, Gary’s musical path included jazz, indie rock, singer songwriter projects, and studio work, but today his focus is simple: supporting the song, serving the groove, and helping create something honest and enjoyable for both the band and the audience. His years building basses have also shaped the way he listens to music, with a deep sensitivity to tone, feel, rhythm, and the physical connection between player and instrument.
Whether on stage, in the workshop, or collaborating with other musicians, Gary’s philosophy remains the same: make it feel good, stay connected to the music, and keep learning.
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, 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