Ian George & the knee pockets
Born and raised in the deciduous forests of Minnesota, Ian George’s musical expression reflects the ephemeral seasonal landscapes he was bred in. George has founded and led a handful of bands (including members of Billy Strings, Caleb Klauder Band and Patchy Sanders); touring extensively through the US, Canada, and Europe and gracing some of the western world's most beloved festivals and venues. In the summer of 2019 Ian performed his debut solo set at the Cambridge Folk Festival in Cambridge, England. Ian’s debut solo album Kingdom of My Youth - recorded in Paris, France at famed Labo M Studios with French pop icon Matthieu Chedid - charted on the national NACC Folk charts 7 consecutive weeks. Ian’s release, Post-Corona*, was shortlisted at WXPN’s 2021 Non-Comm Convention as top 10 songs of the year to consider. Ian is also one half of the award winning folk duo Fellow Pynins and is currently based on an off-grid commune deep in the mountains of Southern Oregon.
The live performance is an extremely entertaining one…. Ian George along with his band The Knee Pockets (jubilant, ferocious young men) have one motive : ALLOW A GOOD TIME. The show teems with whimsicality, clever arrangements, triumphant tangents (both in the music and the banter.. a lot of banter), and outlandish solos grounded by George’s gauzy voice and by the simple strength of a good song. Expect an engaging and dynamic string of gentle and not so gentle folk-rock adventures. Expect to dance, sway, sing, laugh and most likely cry.
Ian released his sophomore album A FAIR in spring 2024 and prepares to release his third full length album Milk of The Moonlit Sun in spring 2026 with guests Dean Johnson, Humbird, and Anna Moss.
The project mainly tours as a trio (drums, electric/acoustic guitar, and bass). Ian also performs solo
Now booking 2026 concerts and festivals
“Weirdly beautiful and a gorgeous voice.”
- The Current (nPR)
“Ian George is a fanciful folk troubadour with a rhythmic flow and spirited vision. He’s an American Matt Corby; a heartwarming blend of Iron & Wine’s folk and Vampire Weekend’s frisky energy. George’s music is the type to which one would ascribe words like frolic and wandering, but his songs are equally intimate and emotional... Worthy of everyone’s ears, songs we can teach our children, our parents, our grandparents, and ourselves.”
- Atwood Magazine
“Effulgent eclecticism. George's forward-looking new offering is a subtle explosion of vibrant colors that delight.”
- PopMatters
“There’s a gauzy float to George’s voice that calls up John Martyn.”