Noam Pikelny, a renowned five-string banjo player, was born in Chicago on February 27, 1981. He began his musical journey in traditional bluegrass bands during high school and later studied music at the University of Illinois before moving to Boulder, Colorado. Pikelny joined Leftover Salmon in 2002 and released his debut solo album, "In the Maze," in 2004. He then relocated to Nashville in 2006, collaborating with artists like John Cowan and Chris Thile in projects such as Punch Brothers. Pikelny's subsequent albums, including "Beat the Devil & Carry a Rail" and "Noam Pikelny Plays Kenny Baker Plays Bill Monroe," garnered Grammy nominations before he released his solo album "Universal Favorite" in 2017.

Noam Pikelny, a master of the five-string banjo, emerged from the Chicago music scene to become a prominent figure in the bluegrass genre. With a musical upbringing split between playing at Wrigley Field and studying at the Old Town School of Folk Music, Pikelny's talent led him to join bands like Leftover Salmon and Punch Brothers, earning critical acclaim and Grammy nominations for his solo works. His albums, such as "Beat the Devil & Carry a Rail" and "Noam Pikelny Plays Kenny Baker Plays Bill Monroe," showcase his exceptional banjo skills and innovative approach to traditional bluegrass music. Pikelny continues to captivate audiences with his virtuosic playing and solo projects, solidifying his reputation as a leading banjo player in the contemporary music scene.