The Heists

Combine one of the Alaska’s premier mandolin players and tenor bluegrass harmony singers with a rising songwriter, with lyrics that speak to the heart of what it means to be raised in Alaska, and you’ve got The Heists.

Known for their toe-curling country and bluegrass harmonies, The Heists are currently co-writing their first album. Erin and Andrew Heist share songs and stories from decades of experience playing the bars and backrooms of Alaska’s communities, from Bethel to McCarthy to Salmonfest to Fairbanks, and all along the Milk Run.

Andrew Heist cut his teeth with The Great Alaska Bluegrass band and currently plays with Taking Care of Bluegrass, Juneau’s premier bluegrass outfit. Erin Heist got her start playing guitar and singing for the North Country Cajun Club and has held down the rhythm section in the old time bands Sugar Shack and The Stinging Nettles.

In 2021 Erin recorded her first album of original material “From the Land of Rusted Dreams”, featuring Andrew on every track. Erin and Andrew have gone on to provide instrumental and harmonic support to multiple albums, including Annie Bartholomew’s “Sisters of White Chapel”, Josh Fortenbery’s “No Such Thing as Forever”, and most recently Blackwater Railroad Co’s “A Lovely Place to Die”.

Erin and Andrew are also members of the Muskeg Collective a group of songwriters from Juneau who have teamed together to form a co-op label and tour their original material across Alaska and the globe.