The Bands
We've got a fabulous lineup for our 3rd Annual Pickin' in the Pines Bluegrass & Acoustic Music Festival, featuring some of the best traditional and contemporary bands anywhere! You'll hear tried and true favorites, as well as new up-and-coming bands.
The Del McCoury Band
Nashville Bluegrass Band
Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike with Becky Buller
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Steve Smith and Hard Road
Burnett Family Bluegrass
Spring Creek
The Billy Pilgrims
Sawmill Road
Sandia Hots
Richard Wilson
Fire Ridge
Muskellunge Bluegrass
Knockabouts
Springfed Band
Reno & Sheila McCormick
Traditional Blend
Chuck Cheesman
Laura Freeman & Heather Jarry
Kristin Leigh Cook/Jughead Music
Emcees
Tweeners
The Del McCoury Band
"McCoury is a national treasure." WASHINGTON POST
"Del McCoury. The High Lonesome Master. Period." NEW YORK NEWSDAY
The band's leader/patriarch/namesake is one Delano Floyd "Del" McCoury, a nimble, inventive guitarist and a master of the "high lonesome" vocal style that is the foundation of the bluegrass sound. The band's top-drawer instrumental and vocal firepower combined with deep-rooted dedication to hallowed bluegrass heritage have kept them at the top of their field in the hearts of traditionalists, while their consummate showmanship, high spirits and willingness to incorporate eclectic material have continued to spread the boundaries of their influence.
McCoury — along with his band — has won more International Bluegrass Music Association awards than any other artist in the genre's history with a total of nearly 40 individual and group citations from the IBMA, including a whopping nine "Entertainer Of The Year" honors. Original members are Ronnie McCoury playing mandolin, Rob McCoury on banjo and Jason Carter on the fiddle. All of them are recognized as being among the best pickers in the business and each of them has numerous awards acknowledging their extraordinary talent. The new kid on the block is Alan Bartram on bass.
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Nashville Bluegrass Band
The members of Nashville Bluegrass Band (NBB) came together from all points on the compass: Mike Compton (mandolin) is from Mississippi, Pat Enright (guitar) from Indiana, Alan O'Bryant (banjo) hails from North Carolina, Stuart Duncan (fiddle) was born in California, and Andy Todd (upright bass) is a Tennesse native.
In 2002, Pat Enright became one of the voices of the Soggy Bottom Boys, the fictional old-time singing trio led onscreen by George Clooney in the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? Alan O'Bryant, Mike Compton and Stuart Duncan also appeared on the film's soundtrack. In 2003, Stuart Duncan's fiddling was featured throughout the soundtrack of Cold Mountain. NBB has been awarded two Grammys, two Entertainer Of The Year honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), and four wins as IBMA's Vocal Group of the Year. NBB celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2004, with the release of their Grammy-nominated album Twenty Year Blues. These gifted musicians have joined to create an unmatched all-American sound. Nashville Bluegrass Band's talents have been celebrated, literally, around the world, but the band's appeal is as basic as a small-town general store.
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Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, with Becky Buller
Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike with Becky Buller have become ambassadors of bluegrass music from coast to coast and around the world, having entertained music lovers in New York, London, Berlin, Dublin, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and hundreds of other venues throughout the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe. In addition to Valerie, you'll hear Becky Buller (vocals, fiddle, clawhammer banjo, guitar, songwriter), Bobby Davis (bass) and Chad Graves (resophonic guitar, vocals).
Valerie has been the recipient of International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards and has been nominated for a Grammy Award as part of the Ralph Stanley "Clinch Mountain Sweethearts" project, and she has appeared on the famous Grand Ol' Opry as a guest of hall-of-famer, Charlie Louvin. Becky was awarded first place in the bluegrass division of the 2001 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest in Wilkesboro, N.C. Her songs have been recorded by Rhonda Vincent, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, the Kenny and Amanda Smith Band, and, most recently IIIrd Time Out.
Dave Higgs of NPR-Bluegrass Breakdown writes, "(Valerie's) effervescence, energy and sense of showmanship make her not only one of the finest singers in Bluegrass-dom, but one of the genre's most interesting stylists as well. Becky Buller...(gives) the group a special groove and an added layer of excellence."
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Carolina Chocolate Drops
The Carolina Chocolate Drops are a group of young African-American stringband musicians who have come together to play the rich tradition of fiddle and banjo music of the Carolinas' Piedmont region. Rhiannon Giddens and Justin Robinson both hail from the green hills of the North Carolina Piedmont while Dom Flemons is native of sunny Arizona. (Dom was also a Flagstaffian for a few years!)
Although the Carolina Chocolate Drops have diverse musical backgrounds, they draw their musical heritage from the foothills of North and South Carolina. They have been under the tutelage of Joe Thompson, of Mebane, NC — said to be the last black traditional string band player — and strive to carry on the long-standing traditional music of the black and white communities.
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Steve Smith and Hard Road
Steve Smith and Hard Road is a tight ensemble led by one of the outstanding mandolinists of our generation. This band brings together virtuoso playing from veterans and newcomers alike coupled with compelling original tunes. Everyone in the group shares a diverse musical background including classical, jazz and world music as well as a deep respect for traditional and folk music. A high level of musicianship feeds an infectious groove, and strong individual vocals blend as if these singers were family. This group is generous with each other and generous with their audiences, sharing award-winning original music that presents a personal take on a universal experience. The band features Steve Smith (mandolin, mandola, guitar, vocals), Nate Lee (fiddle, mandolin, vocals), Chris Sanders (vocals, guitar), Aaron McCloskey (guitar, vocals), Ashleigh Caudill (bass, vocals), and special guest, Bill Evans (banjo).
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Burnett Family Bluegrass
From the mountains of Northern Arizona comes the sound of Burnett Family Bluegrass. This is family music at its best with
hard-driving instrumentals and fine-tuned harmonies. The intricate breaks show a deep understanding
of intimate musical detail that skyrocketed them from good to outstanding in
the field of Bluegrass. Brian on guitar and
mandolin; Connie on stand-up bass; Rachel on fiddle, mandolin; Jessie on mandolin,
fiddle, guitar, banjo; and Ryan on banjo,
fiddle, guitar, and mandolin.
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Spring Creek
Spring Creek is quickly gaining a reputation as the hottest young band in the Rocky Mountains. The quartet plays a mix of bluegrass standards and compelling originals. All four musicians are accomplished vocalists. Spring Creek is built on the fundamentals of bluegrass, yet they create their own classic contemporary style. The young band, whose members met in music school in Texas, have studied and performed together for several years, creating a tight, polished sound. Spring Creek features Jessica Smith (bass, vocals), Alex Johnstone (mandolin, fiddle, vocals), Chris Elliott (banjo, vocals), and Taylor Sims (guitar, vocals).
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The Billy Pilgrims
Influenced by Buck Owens, Hank Williams, Ray Price, and Lefty Frizzell, The Billy Pilgrims feature country music from the 1950s, as well as vintage bluegrass influenced by the Stanley Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Vern Williams, and Flatt & Scruggs. A typical Billy Pilgrims show includes an acoustic, bluegrass set and an electric, classic country set. Named after a Kurt Vonnegut character from the Slaughterhouse Five who can't help but travel from the present to the past and back again, these four Northern Colorado musicians feel the same way about their musical influences.
The Billy Pilgrims band features Lyons, Colo., residents Caleb Roberts (mandolin, electric guitar) and David Richey (vocals, acoustic guitar) , and Fort Collins, Colo., couple Aaron (banjo, pedal steel) and Erin Youngberg (vocals, upright bass).
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Sawmill Road
"Original. Dynamic. Creative. Diverse. Captivating." These are the things you hear when audiences, critics and other musicians describe the band. Sawmill Road is an amazing collection of seasoned players who perform at a level that always brings a powerful mixture of bluegrass styles to any stage. Sawmill Road features Bruce Johnson on fiddle, Steve Spurgin on bass, Charlie Edsall on guitar, Dick Brown on banjo and Mark Miracle on mandolin.
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Sandia Hots
The seeds of the band were first planted in 1998 in the Rio Grande Valley with the crimson peaks of the Sandia Mountains in the backdrop. Named for a local variety of chile plant, the Sandia Hots ripened into a well-known and respected musical force in Albuquerque and Santa Fe music and dance communities. Transplanted to Colorado during the year 2000, the band developed and grew in the music and dance scene on the Front Range. Returning to our New Mexico roots in 2005, the band continues to evolve, soaking in the area's rich music traditions.
Musical repertoire consists of lively Southern Appalachian dance tunes and songs, cowboy and early 20th century swing numbers, songs and dance tunes from New Mexico, Mexico and Southern Arizona.
Richard Wilson, Contra Dance caller
Richard Wilson has been a dance caller for over 25 years. He is known
for his lively and engaging style and his ability to work with all
levels of dancers. Richard has called dances throughout the Southwest,
and he feels that being playful and having fun are the most important
aspects of dancing. He is a community dance leader in the traditional
sense. Richard helped found the New Mexico Folk Music and Dance
Society, and he currently lives near Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Fire Ridge
Fire Ridge is an award winning bluegrass band that plays a unique blend of traditional, contemporary and original music. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, John Burton, Fred Hoeffler, Creighton Miller and Doug McKee have been together since 2005 playing various venues throughout the state. During their shows you’ll find them dressed to impress, working their tight vocal harmonies around a single microphone, captivating the crowd with their dynamic energy. Fire Ridge won the prestigious Arizona State Bluegrass Band competition in November 2006 at the Wickenburg Bluegrass Festival. The band consists of four outstanding musicians who have honed their talents over many years. They show their love for bluegrass music every time they step out onto the stage.
Muskellunge Bluegrass
Prior to moving to Flagstaff in 1998, Nolan McKelvey (guitar) performed at the Newport Folk Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival and other festivals across the United States. Nolan has been referred to as "one of the best songwriters of the Southwest." Aaron Tyler (mandolin) has played in and around Arizona for over twenty years and was the state champion mandolinist at the Wickenberg Bluegrass Festival in 1998. His playing has been referred to as "adrenolin" for his unmatched speed and dexterity. Bass player Tim Hogan has traveled the country with several nationally-known acts, including Acoustic Semi, and the In-Betweens. Frank Dedera (banjo) has performed at festivals throughout the Southwest and Four Corners region.
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Knockabouts
Once upon a time in the little hamlet of Flagstaff, Arizona, John McGregor bought a bottle of Bushmills Irish Whiskey and dove in head first. Ordinarily, this would be just another Tuesday afternoon. However, from this bottle of Bushmills, great inspiration was born. Thus began the journey of the Knockabouts, Arizona's favorite Celtic Pub Band. Just like our founding beverage, the Knockabouts are the perfect blend of time-honored tradition, bawdy good taste, rowdy energy, and smooth
harmonies. The Knockabouts' music brings the best of authentic traditional pub tunes, and blends them with a unique sound that can only come from a band that appreciates a good whiskey the way the Knockabouts do.
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Springfed Band
Out of the old rock, The Springfed Band flows. Through cool shady hollers where ginseng and yaller root twist in the rich dark earth and woodpeckers call in the top of white oak and tulip poplar. Where lost love is lamented and brave dawgs are celebrated. Where greybeard survivors of the 60’s folk scare, gaelic dancers and conservatory violinists meet over good corn whisky, green grape cobbler and dance tunes in D. You don’t need Fiji Water when you can reach for Flagstaff’s favorite beverage, SPRINGFED! Tony Norris, Bill Burke, Megan Buchanan, Elena Gonzales and special guest Fred Coon.
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Reno & Sheila McCormick
Reno and Sheila McCormick have been playing bluegrass, traditional country and folk music together since 1980. They met in Aspen, Colorado, where Reno was a member of Easy Pickins Bluegrass Band. Though they come from different backgrounds – Reno from Western Pennsylvania and Sheila from Southern California – they share a love of traditional acoustic music. The duo, who now make their home in Arizona’s Verde Valley, has played throughout the west, for many years in Northern California, when Sheila performed with Sidesaddle, an all-female bluegrass band, and Reno worked around Santa Barbara in Sky King, a popular country band. When performing, Reno generally plays acoustic guitar and Sheila plays upright bass. The songs they love best have melody, harmony, lots of words, drive and spirit.
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Traditional Blend
Bill and Patti Cummings, “Traditional Blend”, have performed throughout Arizona and areas of the US since 1982 in various venues and settings. Bill plays fiddle and violin, and his wife Patti plays guitar, bodhran, whistle, and bouzuki. Their repertoire of traditional music includes Celtic dance tunes of Ireland, Scotland, Cape Breton (Nova Scotia), Old Time Mountain Music of the Round Peak Style from North Carolina, and Cajun Creole string band music of the southwestern prairies of Louisiana. They might change the pace with a few old favorites and familiar tunes such as Texas rags, bluegrass fiddle and guitar standards, early C&W standards, and melodies of Baltic and Hispanic descent.
Chuck Cheesman
Chuck Cheesman is a singer/songwriter, fingerstyle guitarist, and children's musician who lives in Flagstaff.His latest recording, Campfire, has received significant airplay on public radio folk shows across the country. chuckcheesman.net
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Laura Freeman
Laura Freeman is an award winning children's songwriter and performer. Her performances are dynamic and engaging. Children are swept up in the magic of her songs. Together with Heather Jarry, she presents Iris Saves the Land of Black and White, a puppet show, and other performances throughout the weekend. Heather is a professional puppeteer, and has studiedwithmaster puppeteers Phillip Huber and Jim Rose at theO'Neal Puppetry Conference in Connecticut and worked with Don Harms in Austin, TX. Heather built the set and puppets for the show. She is the voice behind ALL the puppets in the show.
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Kristen Leigh Cook
Kristen performs her original folkie/pop styles at various open mics and small bar venues, but it is her love for entertaining children that has gotten her the most attention. Her diverse influences range from her dad's Country Western band, traditional folk music and Americana, to Afro-cuban and West African styles.
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Emcees for our festival
Burt Gershater
Burt Gershater has lived in beautiful Flagstaff for 38 year this month. He is a writer, motivational speaker, counselor and dear friend to many. His book, No Guts, No Love, will be released October 1.
Bert Harclerode
Bert Harclerode is Chamber Music Sedona executive director, Flagstaff Symphony principal tubist and a member of the Chamber Music America national board. His bluegrass career began in utero listening to the Weavers. He studied piano for ten years, and in 1969 marched with the Scottsdale Boys Band for Nixon's Inaugural Parade in Washington, DC. Bert's bluegrass career was anchored in 1975 when he took first place at the Cal State Fullerton Banjo & Fiddle Contest as a lone tubist. From 1975-1986 he performed at Disneyland with The Tubadours who, in 1977, won first place on the Gong Show.
Ryan Heinsius
Since moving to northern Arizona a decade ago, Ryan Heinsius has immersed himself in Flagstaff’s vibrant local culture and stellar music scene as a member of several bands including his current projects the Voluntary String Band and the Dave McGraw Band. Ryan also spends most of his waking hours (and many non-waking hours) as the editor of the local weekly rag Flagstaff Live. He is currently coming to terms with the inevitability of becoming a Flag lifer, and feels pretty darn good about the prospect.
Laura Kelly
Laura Kelly is the executive director of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. Her first memories of music are hearing her mother sing, “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Our of My Hair,” from South Pacific. In her year between high school graduation and college, Laura toured the U.S. for 14 months as a singer and dancer with the now-defunct, international goodwill musical group Up With People. She’s been a backup singer in a country-Motown group in Miami, sung in a university choir in Bulgaria and believes in what Beethoven reportedly said: Music can change the world
Brian McNeal
Brian McNeal, a 30-year broadcast veteran, has been a bluegrass and acoustic music advocate for almost as many years as there are strings in a five-piece bluegrass band. He hosts Prescription Bluegrass, the weekly radio broadcast for those who just don’t get enough bluegrass in their regular diet. Prescription Bluegrass with Brian McNeal is heard across northern Arizona from 9-10 pm every Saturday on 89.5 FM KJZA.
Tony Norris
Tony Norris is an Arizona original—charming audiences of all ages with stories and songs of Appalachia and the Southwest. He is in demand at schools, libraries, storytelling festivals and folk concerts. He was a featured artist at the 10th Northern Arizona Book Festival and the keynote speaker for NAU's Young Authors Festival. He can be seen weekly online on the webcast flgnews .com and his column, Letter from Home, can be read in Flagstaff LIVE! This is his third year emceeing for the festival. tonynorris.com
Bill Vernieu
Bill joined Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music on his arrival to town in 1990 and was later instrumental in incorporating FFOTM as a non-profit organization, serving as president from 1996 to 2005. He has been part of the Pickin' in the Pines organizing team since the festival’s inception in 2006. He has played in many bluegrass and old-time bands around northern Arizona and currently plays with the Mars Hillbillies, Desperate Measures, and the Joan Wyatt Band.
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Tweeners
Entertainment between main stage acts are provided by our “tweener” acts: The Bears & the Bees,
Cabell Breckenridge, Keith Gomora & Bill Vernieu, Chuck Cheesman, Corrine Diggins, Laura
Freeman, Matt Hall, Ryan Heinsius, The Joan Wyatt Band, The Lucky Strikes, Dave McGraw &
Friends, Tony Norris, Billy Parker, Larry Peterson, Claire Ann Rose, Nate Stone, and Bill Vernieu. We hope you enjoy these short sets; please show these artists your appreciation.
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Presented by Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music. Contact us at (928)525-1695 or PIPinfo@pickininthepines.org