Left of Cool combines sweet harmonies and superb musicianship, performing an eclectic selection of traditional and contemporary music. In addition to their stellar lineup of some of the area’s best musicians, they often invite surprise guests...every performance is a little different.

Be sure to see Left of Cool, our schedule is below, and we're also available for concerts and private events

For bookings contact Hugh or Sheri Hoeger at 530 626 8751 or email [email protected]

 

 Hugh and Sheri Hugh and Sheri Hoeger are the founding members of Left of Cool. They have been performing together for many years, and both were part of the popular local band Sierra Blue. Hugh is also a former long time member of The Piney Creek Weasels, recording 5 CD's and touring extensively with them. He has played professionally and semi-professionally much of his life, both as a soloist and in various groups. Hugh and Sheri are known for their sweet sweet harmonies, and Sheri can belt out a soulful tune like nobody's business. Along with Hugh's superb guitar work, they perform an exciting and eclectic selection of traditional and contemporary acoustic / electric music. They often feature surprise guests...every performance is a little different.  
 

In the mid-80's, Tom Gunterman came roaring down from the hills of Japan playing bluegrass fiddle. A childhood full of recitals where he experienced frozen fingers and rubbery knees had convinced him that classical music really didn't like him all that much. So after college he took off for Japan and began to learn bluegrass. After five years he was ready to come home.

He joined Placerville-based Slate Mountain Bluegrass Band where he was mentored in the fine art of traditional bluegrass. But after fifteen years of trying to play the right note in the right place at the right time, he finally decided to dedicate himself to jazz and all of jazz' bastard relatives - blues, rock, bebop, and experimental - where the creative notes are glorified, honored, tolerated, or at least more easily hidden and unnoticed.

Tom is currently a member of the Sacramento based, 2010 Sacramento Area Music Award-winning rock band Walking Spanish. He plays the band's original songs and covers with a full electric violin and guitar effects. He also has experience playing and recording with a wide variety of bands: Slate Mountain Bluegrass Band, Jackie Greene, and Old West Trio, as well as others. If it's a violin with strings on it, he will play it. He plays standard acoustic violin, 5-string acoustic, 5-string electric acoustic, as well as solid-body 5 and 7 string electric violin.

Tom especially enjoys playing with Left Of Cool whenever he has a chance. The combination of careful arrangements and free improv is challenging, rewarding, and most of all fun. He could not ask for a better group of musicians. He loves the variety of songs, from straight up bluegrass and folk to a classic rock or Motown tune that is funkified as best as an acoustic band can funk. "Left Of Cool is a band with high standards and no limits. I walk away after every practice, jam, or performance having learned something or having found something else to learn."

"I also cut myself shaving but I'm better now."