ABOUT US
The Unsung buffalo story
Unsung Buffalo began as a musical project focused on the art and love of songwriting with foundational members Mark Nienaber (mandolin) and Kristie Nienaber (guitar). The original project eased into a trio, welcoming the instrumental prowess and creativity of Joe Marcallini (dobro). Over time, Unsung Buffalo naturally expanded to include the steady driving rhythm section of members Keith Ford (Upright Bass) and Dave Mullgardt (drums). Unsung Buffalo welcomes all and hopes to see you at our next event!
Born and raised in small town Missouri, Kristie Nienaber is a songwriter and guitarist, whose work is inspired by her reverence for nature, exploration of the human experience and respect for what lies beyond. Kristie came to writing honestly, crediting her cowboy father for spending endless (and sometimes painful) hours at the kitchen table teaching her to meticulously craft words to captivate an audience. Her early passion for writing later married her ever blossoming love of guitar. Being a steadfast believer in finding the light in the dark, Kristie used the pandemic as soil to nourish her creative seeds, leading to many songs of the Unsung Buffalo
Mark Nienaber is a prolific songwriter and a seasoned mandolin player. He has been singing and playing his original music in the St. Louis region for over 20 years. His influences range from bluegrass to blues and from folk to funk. Mark has played in many bands over the years, including RFT’s Best Bluegrass Band in 2005 - The Sawmill Band.
Davidson Mullgardt was born and raised in Webster Groves. He started playing drums and percussion in 6th grade. He previously played in the blues/jam band, Six Piece No Grease in the late 1900’s. He currently plays with The Dogwalkers in addition to Unsung Buffalo. He has a mustache and is an unrepentant tequila snob.
Joe Marcallini was originally trained on guitar, with his best friend in 2nd grade, by their homeroom teacher. Playing mostly acoustic folk, country, bluegrass and church songs through his early years, he was given an electric guitar in junior high school and started to play rock and roll, blues and then jam band music through high school. In college, Joe picked up the mandolin and joined up with Mark Nienaber and friends to create The Sawmill Band. Joe took a sabbatical for a while. Then, after the passing of the Sawmill Band's banjo player (Andy Rice), Joe made it a mission to get back into the music scene and pick up the Banjo and Dobro to keep the music alive.
Keith Ford is a bassist and DJ based out of St. Louis.