Bio
Rooted in American folk with a spirit made for the stage, Late for the Train is an Occidental, California based band composed of Dave Pascoe (guitar), Laura Benson (fiddle), Thom Beneduci (upright bass), and Bud Dillard (mandolin). Their proprietary blend of thoughtful songwriting and jam-driven energy creates live shows that feel uplifting, soulful, and deeply connected to people and place.
Formed in 2017, the band has toured consistently and built a dedicated fan base up and down the West Coast. They released their first studio album, Plant It or Build It, in 2020, followed by The Flowers of Yesteryear in 2024, when they debuted internationally in Ireland at the Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Doolin Folk Festival, and on national Gaelic television. At home in the states, they have had standout performances at festivals such as Strawberry Music Festival, Whale Rock Music & Arts, Redding Roots Revival, Ten Mile Creek, and Kate Wolf.
In addition to performing, the members are passionate educators & community collaborators. Band founders Dave & Laura created and directed Every Folk and are co-directors of Pacific Songwriting Camp.
Their third studio album, Echoes of the Muse, is set for release in August 2026.
Press
““When you go see Late for the Train, you get all of them. Every quirk, giggle, prancing melody, felicitous fiddle, and heartwarming smile, they all hop into your lap and wait for you to love them back.””
““Besides their obvious musical talent, Late for the Train delivers an engaging live performance and soulful content of music. Their sound is authentic and welcoming; you can’t help but enjoy yourself.””
“The track is perhaps most defined by the mournful and intricate violin riffs, flawlessly executed mandolin playing, ever-thumping upright bass, and hauntingly beautiful layers of harmonies. The song moves and grows without ever overreaching, and it builds the instrumentation right alongside the story being told. This is a truly quintessential modern folk song that never misses a note.” -The Ark of Music
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