Lester T. Raww’s Graveside Quartet is a morbidly charming side‑project spun off from San Francisco’s horror‑bluegrass outfit The Pine Box Boys, fronted by Arkansas‑born Lester T. Raww. Originally formed to record what was meant to be a quaint children’s album, Sings Your Children to Sleep (released November 2014), it veered delightfully off course — delivering eerie, spooky lullabies more likely to induce nightmares than sweet dreams .
The Quartet retains core Pine Box Boys members — Lester (vocals, ukulele, trombone, kazoo), Alex “Possum” Carvidi (accordion, saw), Colonel Timothy Leather (upright bass), and “Uncle” Dodds or Slade Anderson on drums — and adds a twist with Jason Kleinberg on violin and “Gentleman” Jimmy Hadley on trumpet and guitar .
Performing under the umbrella of The Hollins & Hollins Mortuary Entertainment Show, this ensemble blends dark Tin‑Pan‑Alley charm with their signature macabre humor — think dancing skeletons, sinister lullabies, and tongue‑in‑cheek variety show interludes .
Though their live appearances have been rare, the Quartet has played select Bay Area venues — Slim’s (May 2017), Bottom of the Hill (July 2018), The Music Store (Aug 2023) — using these intimate gigs to cultivate a loyal cult following .
While Lester continues to juggle multiple alter‑egos — including Lonesome Lester T. Raww, the Mortuary Horns, and Gentleman Jimmy’s Swindling Dwindlers — the Graveside Quartet remains his most focused current project. A spooky sophomore album is reportedly on the way .
Quick Highlights:
Origin: Spawned from Pine Box Boys to fulfill a creepy‑kiddo lullaby request.
Style: Haunted Tin‑Pan‑Alley meets Addams‑Family‑esque darkgrass.
Line‑up: Lester, Possum, Col. Leather, Dodds/Anderson, Kleinberg & Hadley.
Releases: Sings Your Children to Sleep (Nov 2014).
Performances: Occasional Bay Area shows (2016–2023).
Future: New album in production.
Let me know if you’d like song recommendations or insider details!