Support: Seven Handle Circus It all started in Athens, Georgia in 2001. The Packway Handle Band emerged finding national acclaim first as finalists at the Telluride bluegrass competition in 2002 and 2003, then taking 2nd place in 2004. PHB was on a roll and has continued to win over fans and rack up awards. In early 2006 the band went on the road full time, wowing audiences across the country with close 4-part harmonies and their dance around two tightly-spaced condenser mics. The Packway Handle Band has emerged at the national forefront of bands that use this "gather around the mic" style. PHB's second full length record "(Sinner) You Better Get Ready" was recorded this way. Theirs is not a mission to preserve historical styles—it's just how they do what they do the best. And what they do best is rooted in thought provoking songwriting, clever choice and arrangement of bluegrass traditionals, and totally unexpected covers, all delivered with a crackling energy.