New Forge will make a debut visit to Lopez Island for a performance at the Galley on Saturday, July 14 at 9 p.m. New Forge is an innovative acoustic/electric group, melding forms of new and roots music with mandolin, guitar, bass and drums to create infectious dance sets comprised of barreling bluegrass improvisations, funk and rock grooves and modern acoustic compositions. Founded in the farms and clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, New Forge honed its sound in Seattle and surrounding areas.

New Forge shows are front-loaded with the songwriting of founder Matt Sircely of Port Townsend,Wash., whose work as a traditional and improvisational mandolinist, recently appeared on the cover of “Mandolin Magazine.” Sircely has performed with many of his mentors – from David Grisman to David Bromberg, and is working on a solo recording under the production of banjo legend Danny Barnes.

Drummer Joseph Mascorella grew up at Alaskan bluegrass festivals before joining touring bands and playing central roles in several films. Mascorella is also an accomplished composer, vocalist and improvisor. Zeke Wakefield, one of the most naturally talented musicians to emerge from the Olympic Peninsula in a generation, has been playing bass since the inception of New Forge before recently moving to guitar, his primary instrument. On bass will be Shelton’s Martin Strand, a recent top-notch graduate from Cornish College of the Arts. Fiddler Jon Parry will be touring in Alaska during this performance.

“We play dance music, but it’s also song-oriented,” Sircely said.

On any given night, New Forge might reference some of the earliest recorded music, a progressive bluegrass band from the ‘70s, low-down funk, classic or remixed reggae, Chicago or Delta blues, fiddle tunes, early country or western swing.

“We don’t just blend our favorite styles into one big cauldron,” Sircely said. “We dig deeply into every style we approach. We love touching on many music forms, giving the audience the experience of distinctly hearing many of their favorite styles in one performance – and hopefully introducing folks to something new. To be honest, because we’re primarily an improvisational group, every show is a unique experience for us too.”

For more info, www.reverbnation.com/newforge.