Songwriter and folk singer turned bluegrasser, Jim Gaudet and his band the Railroad Boys have been burning up the concert and festival scene in and around Albany, New York since 2006, and we're thrilled to have him at Joe Val again this year. Joining him is Bobby Ristau (bass), Sten Isachsen (mandolin, guitar, dobro), Scott Hopkins (banjo) and Sara Milonovich (fiddle). Band website
The Travelin’ McCourys do not stand still. They are on the road—and online—entertaining audiences with live shows that include some of the best musicians and singers from all genres. It’s always different, always exciting, and always great music. No other band today has the same credentials for playing traditional and progressive music. As the sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin and Rob McCoury on banjo continue their father’s work—a lifelong dedication to the power of bluegrass music to bring joy into people’s lives. And with fiddler Jason Carter and bassist Alan Bartram, the ensemble is loved and respected by the bluegrass faithful. But the band is now combining their sound with others to make something fresh and rejuvenating. Source: Band website Band website
David Parmley was a member of the venerated group Bluegrass Cardinals until 1992, when he left to form Continental Divide. David has been in hiatus from touring for the past few years, but he's returning to the stage with a terrific new group of veterans that plays a mix of originals and Bluegrass Cardinal standards. You'll love this new group! Besides David on guitar, the band includes Ron Spears, (mandolin), Steve Day (fiddle), Dale Perry (banjo), and John Marquess (bass) Source: John Lawless Blog Band Facebook Page
The Hi-Tone Ramblers’ traditional and original music is inspired by American roots music; a melting pot of Anglo and African-rooted songs, rhythms, blues and old-time fiddle and banjo tunes – driving and stately, bouncy, quirky and eerily beautiful. Cathy Mason (F), Bethany Weiman (Cello), Tim Rowell (Bj), Paul Strother (B) Tim FitzPatrick (G). Band website Band Facebook page
The Wool Hats is a new Connecticut-based bluegrass band. Built on a driving rhythm section, the trio of lead instruments weaves intricate melodic spaces while the vocal harmonies add to the warmth and richness of their sound. Their repertoire includes bluegrass classics and unique interpretations of classic rock material, as well as well-crafted originals. Matt Chimini (G), Nick Krashefski (B), Ryan Mooney (G), Erick Feucht (F) and Johnny Lee (M) consistently thrill and charm the audience. Band website
From Uncle Dave Macon, to Grandpa Jones, to Delmer Mulhan...? These old friends give the audience a glimpse of the music of yesteryear. When Rusty's driving guitar combines with Buzzy's aggressive mountain-style clawhammer banjo and mandolin, the best of those Old-Timey sounds come alive once again.
Formed in 2013, Rock Hearts brings together five veteran musicians from Southern New England who love to sing and pick bluegrass, old country tunes, and seek out newer tunes from other genres to “bluegrass-ify.” Joe Deetz’s career on banjo spans over 40 years. A New England Bluegrass Boy with Joe Val, Joey has also worked with Frank Wakefield, John Herald, Back Eddy and many others. He has recorded with John Herald, Will Scarlet, the Beach Boys and Carol King. His passion for bluegrass is evident in his tasteful, yet driving banjo and harmony singing. Alex MacLeod grew up in bluegrass. With a classic leading voice and rock-solid rhythm guitar, Alex has served as front man for several bands in the region including Northern Lights, Southern Rhode, Back Eddy, and the Iron Skillet Band. Billy “BT” Thibodeau boasts an undeniable bluegrass pedigree and he brings his high tenor and lead vocals, along with his fastidious mandolin playing and splendiferous guitar playing to Rock Hearts. A multi-instrumentalist, Billy has been picking and singing bluegrass for several decades. Cutting his teeth with his Dad, Sam Tidwell and Uncle Bob in the Kennebec Valley Boys, he would later lead his own band, The Bill Thibodeau Band. He has also played with the Bluegrass Supply Company, the Descendants of Bluegrass, and the Union River Band, just to name a few. Billy currently teaches music and works at Rick’s Music in Cumberland, RI. Danny Musher is rock solid on fiddle and brings his high-intensity chops, lead singing and sharp ear to the group. Making a name for himself with Chasing Blue, he is an often sought-after fiddler in the New England area. Danny is also picking a mean mandolin and guitar, while [...]
Performing a refreshing variety of songs, including engaging originals, The Mary Maguire Band features Mary's unmistakable alto and rhythm guitar, Jeff 'Hurricane' Horton (you've just got to hear him) and his solid stand-up, and John Tibert's sweet mandolin and baritone voice. Their roots in bluegrass, folk, country (and a bit of jazz) poke through the surface as these pro's share music and fun! Band website
Moonshine Creek is a high energy string band out of New York’s Hudson Valley region that keeps true to its bluegrass roots while expanding traditional boundaries. With warm vocal harmonies, tight picking and driving sound, they will be sure to keep you moving! Rich Krasco (Bass) Teddy Hiller (Guitar) Peter Carr (Banjo) Tom Casano (Mandolin) Dave Gerszberg (Fiddle) Band Facebook page
New Hampshire based old time/bluegrass string band throwin' down some hoedown for a foot-stompin’ good time. Band Facebook site
