The Hot Seats are a bluegrass and old-time group from Richmond, United States. Formed in 2002 by students at Virginia Commonwealth University, they begin under the name Special Ed and The Shortbus before changing to The Hot Seats in 2008.

Line-up and early releases

The original line-up appears on the group’s first two albums in 2004. It includes Ed Brogan on guitar, Ben Belcher on banjo, Jake Sellers on percussion, Josh Bearman on mandolin, Aaron Jonah Lewis on fiddle, Bryan Walthall on tenor banjo, Daniel Plotnick on guitar, and F.M. Turner on bass.

By 2007, Walthall, Plotnick and Turner leave the band, reducing it to a five-piece. At that point, bass duties are shared by Bearman and Belcher. Bearman also adds clawhammer banjo and tenor banjo to his role.

Style and repertoire

Although the group is rooted in bluegrass and old-time music, its repertoire expands to include material from klezmer, ragtime and swing traditions.

Later membership

In 2009, Aaron Jonah Lewis leaves and Graham DeZarn joins as his replacement.