The Astrohillbillies are a Chicago-based band playing original outlaw country, folk, and jazz standards. Like most hillbillies, they draw deep from the roots of rural American heritage; unlike most hillbillies, they also embody an eclecticism only obtained by traveling through time and space. Each of their songs is a story, bringing points of view from unlikely characters such as a demoted dwarf planet and George Herriman's Krazy Kat.
Founded on the songwriting duo of Julie Jurgens (vocals, banjo, pocket trumpet, German horn) and Rob Reid (vocals, guitar, saxophone, clarinet, tin whistle), the group is often joined by a rhythm section (typically Ira Ochs on cello and Raul Cotaquispe on drums) for local Chicago gigs. The core duo is ever-willing to pack as many instruments and bandmates as they can possibly fit in Julie’s tiny Toyota Corolla and take their show on the road.
Founded on the songwriting duo of Julie Jurgens (vocals, banjo, pocket trumpet, German horn) and Rob Reid (vocals, guitar, saxophone, clarinet, tin whistle), the group is often joined by a rhythm section (typically Ira Ochs on cello and Raul Cotaquispe on drums) for local Chicago gigs. The core duo is ever-willing to pack as many instruments and bandmates as they can possibly fit in Julie’s tiny Toyota Corolla and take their show on the road.