Bill Ward and Big Leg Emma's Amanda Barton at the '07 Mayville Bluegrass Festival
The Bill Ward Band is a Swing/Gospel/R&B/Blues combo rooted in Western NY. Bill Ward himself has been around longer than dirt, having performed acoustically for almost three decades throughout the Eastern U.S. The BWB has been in existence for almost half that time. Their performances include original compositions that jump, swing, cry, and groove. Churned out by Ward and members John Cross(horns), Jim Foti(Drums), Tom Swanson(guitar), Stan Barton (fiddle), and Brent Galluppo(bass), Mark Alpaugh(piano), and Sue Waite(vocals) the tunes are at once spiritual and spicy. The band is enjoying the success of their CD, Highway in the Desert, featuring songs written by Bill and some of his friends and family.
Bill, Great job to you and the army of dedicated lovers of Bluegrass in Mayville. Thanks for including Creek Bend and for keeping the torch of top notch Bluegrass lit in Western New York. Hope to see you again soon. Mark
"WE SHALL NOT CEASE FROM OUR EXPLORATION. AND THE END OF ALL OUR EXPLORING, WILL BE TO ARRIVE WHERE WE STARTED, AND KNOW THE PLACE FOR THE FIRST TIME." (T.S. Eliot)
Bill, Thank you so much for playing last night, I don't think you will ever understand how honored I was to have you, I laughed I cried I danced it was a great night. Peace and Blessings See ya in Mayville this summer
You're not playing the Blue Heron this year?! I saw the postings on their website and wondered. I'll have to stop in and see you playing at the Lakeview hotel at least.
