We had the good fortune of connecting with Fritz Boniface and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fritz, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
We’d all probably say that we wouldn’t be where we are or grown like we have if it wasn’t for our fans, friends, and family. None of this would be possible if it weren’t for the people that support us. They’re what bring the energy to every show and inspire us to push ourselves to feed that energy. They’re the ones that were sad to see us leave our hometowns, but excited for us to go. They’re the ones that love music so much, they convince us to pick tunes into the morning. It’s really what makes it good old fashioned fun. We’re so grateful for all of you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think a couple things we’re most proud of is our variety of music and ability to bring high energy to our shows. Everyone in the band pitches in material to our song bank. Whether it be original material or covers, everyone brings their own sense of style. It really gives every song it’s own vibe. I think this also helps with our live shows. It keeps people on their toes and engaged. You never know where we’re gonna take things next.

It’s been a long road to get to where we are today, but through perseverance, we’ll keep getting there. We started the band in Harford County, Maryland. Harrison, Luke and Liam took it to Charleston, South Carolina for a few years. Then Harrison moved to Denver and told us, “Hey, its a pretty awesome bluegrass scene out here. Should we see how the band does?” We all moved out shortly after. That was 2016 and it’s been quite the ride ever since. In the best of ways. When everything shut down because of covid, we took a big hit. I definitely feel like we’ve gained that ground back though. We’re lucky to have a lot of support from our fellow musicians and been given a lot of great opportunities. From the venues to the festivals, we just keep reaching out and are so grateful for every chance we get to share our music.

It wasn’t an easy road, as I’m sure most bluegrass musicians know. Having our own unique sound has helped us stand out. We were all very inspired by Jeff Austin and Yonder Mountain strings band, so throwing some of those covers out always gets us and the crowd hyped. Through the journey we’ve all learned there’s so much more to music than money and fame. We do this because we love it. It makes us feel alive and it keeps Ben’s spirit alive. We’re here to share that feeling and get you dancing, singing and smiling.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live up in Clark, north of Steamboat Springs. Routt County is pretty special and there’s so much to do no matter the season. Winter time there’s the snowboarding, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling. Sumer time we’re fishing, rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking and camping. There’s great music year round too. I’m probably gonna always try to get everyone to events like Winterwondergrass, which we’re getting ready to play at in March for the first time. Summer time there’s endless festivals to choose from within a reasonable distance. Hopefully we’re playing a gig while you’re in town at one of the incredible venues like Old Town Pub, Snow Bowl, Schmiggity’s, Sunset Happy Hour, or The Press. Other than planning out gigs and band related stuff, I’m kind of a “go with the flow and see where it takes you” kind of guy. The flow always seems to eddy out at Storm Peak Brewery though. Great beer, great people. There’s always something fun going on out here if you know the right people and places.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely have to dedicate this to our dear friend and my cousin Benjamin Boniface. Ben was the one that brought us together and planted the seed for the Deer Creek Sharp Shooters. This would have been his band, and I’d say part of it always will be. Ben passed away tragically in June of 2012. Shortly after, Luke Hinder, Harrison Gaeng, Liam Gaeng and myself started DCSS. One of the first songs we started playing was one Ben wrote called “D-Town and Bound,” which you can find on our album titled “Crik.” This project has been so special and I’m so happy to have my band mates to perform with. Luke Hinder (mandolin), Harrison Gaeng (banjo), Alex Rocha (guitar), Kay McKenzie (fiddle), and Daniel Putrino (bass) love you all and love what we do.

Website: https://dcssbluegrass.wixsite.com/dcss

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deercreeksharpshooters?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deercreeksharpshooters

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3weSOGXvC5AEaNN0VSZEbr?si=u6vmnwcGSxGBQH_pFYfrVw Email: dcssbluegrass@gmail.com

Image Credits
Shania Du Bose, Jameson Midgett

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.