Since 1992, Chris Brashear and Peter McLaughlin have established themselves as a pre-eminent songwriting and acoustic music duo with a particular interest in the American Southwest. Their performances include sibling-like harmonies, intricate arrangements, and stunning instrumental virtuosity.  Though steeped in bluegrass tradition, they perform many original songs inspired by western landscapes, history and wild rivers. Peter is a National Flatpicking Guitar Champion, as well as an acclaimed songwriter, vocalist and music instructor. Based in Tucson, he plays many genres and styles, and specializes in acoustic flatpicking and fingerpicking techniques. Chris is a talented vocalist and songwriter, and a versatile instrumentalist on fiddle, mandolin and guitar. He performed for two years in Italy as violinist with the Maurizio Geri Swingtet and toured for many years with Robin & Linda Williams and Jim Watson, and more recently with the Piedmont Melody Makers. The duo continues to write, record, produce and concertize in a variety of contexts. They serve as musician hosts on guided trips on both the San Juan River in southern Utah and the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. New projects include a short film inspired by Glen Canyon and river journeys as well as a 2026 album of new songs with the working title When the Desert Smells Like Rain.