Charlie Torch represents a compelling blend of musical heritage and fresh talent in the bluegrass tradition. The band unites two generations of musicians, creating a sound that honors traditional roots while carving its own distinctive path through bluegrass, country, and mountain music.

At just nineteen, Jasper Manning (mandolin) has already made significant waves in the bluegrass scene, performing at prestigious festivals including Delfest, High Sierra, Grass Valley Father’s Day Festival, and Hangtown. Beyond Charlie Torch, he’s an active member of Bluebirds on a Wire and shares his passion for music as an instructor at the Manning School of Music. Jasper currently balances his musical career with studies in Math and Physics at UC Berkeley.

Jayna Manning (guitar), a remarkably talented high school senior, has been immersed in music since childhood. Her vocal style, while rooted in country tradition, draws from diverse influences to create a uniquely fresh sound. Her artistic reach extends beyond music—she has performed in five professional musical theater productions since age six and is also an accomplished visual artist.

Chad Manning (fiddle) is a cornerstone figure in the bluegrass community, bringing decades of professional experience at the highest levels. His storied career includes extensive tours and recordings with some of the most respected names in acoustic music. Chad has been a longtime member of the David Grisman Sextet, the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience, and Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands. He has shared stages with bluegrass legends such as J.D. Crowe, Curly Seckler, Tony Trischka, and Jody Stecher, and continues to perform with Peter Rowan and the California Bluegrass Reunion Band.

Tyler Stegall (banjo) bridges traditional and contemporary bluegrass through his dynamic playing style. Developed through his work with Solid Gold Stranger and The High Water Line, his approach brings fresh energy and rhythmic precision to the Charlie Torch sound. Tyler remains one of the most sought-after banjo players in the Bay Area.

Mark Schatz (bass) is a true legend of bluegrass and a defining force in acoustic music for decades. A two-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year, his playing can be heard on countless recordings that have shaped the genre. Mark has recorded and toured with Béla Fleck, Tony Rice, John Hartford, and Nickel Creek, among many others. Beyond bass, he’s also an accomplished clawhammer banjoist and Southern Appalachian clog dancer, bringing not only world-class musicianship but a living connection to the deepest traditions of bluegrass.

Charlie Torch’s music draws deeply from traditional roots, offering a grounded sound shaped by decades of collective experience but unpretentious in delivery. The band blends elements of bluegrass, country, and mountain music into an honest, well-crafted expression that respects the past while quietly forging its own path forward.