(Spooky Ol') Ellen Doster
Vocals, washboard, kazoo, whistle, percussion Uncle Bob Doster
Vocals, guitar, harmonica, ukelele, duck call Bob Mariotti (Doc)
Mandolin, fiddle, banjo Tex Ragsdale (the Professor)
Upright bass, melodica
Influences
Jim Kweskin Jug Band, Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks, Memphis Jug Band, R. Crumb & the Cheap Suit Serenaders, Fats Waller, Even Dozen Jug Band, Lovin' Spoonful, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Billy Holiday. Anything from the 20's and 30's, Depression-era, urban old-timey sound. Swing, zoot suit, and blues...it's all good! Heavily influenced by Deputy Dawg, Kate Smith, Ol' Yeller, Jimminy Cricket, Will Rogers, Stan Rogers, Buck Rogers, Mister Rogers, Roy Rogers and Trigger, The Ol' Philosopher and Bart Simpson.
Sounds Like
"Cats and dogs scrappin' in the alley"...only with strings!
HEY KIDS! Here's a healthy taste of our new album "STROKIN'" for ya! It's the real deal! We even worked sorta hard on it. Next time you see us, we'll have 'em for sale and you can shell out yer hard-earned dough and take one home! You'll be glad you did!
(Our videos are courtesy of Bob Rayment ...Thanks, Bob!)
And here's some nice things folks have said about us ...
"The Motor City Sidestrokers were clearly the audience favorite at a recent benefit concert we hosted. They have a passion for old-time music that is infectious. Take a chance on these folks...you won't be disappointed."
--Bill Keith, Trinity House Theatre
"Everyone agrees that last week's show with the Motor City Sidestrokers was one of the best, and we have no desire to say otherwise! The Sidestrokers were operating in high gear, mesmerizing the audience with their musical charms. It was an awesome night, for sure."
-- Maggie Ferguson, Host of "Old Front Porch" radio show, Oakland University.
"It was a delight having you perform at Farmfest. Your energy and talent is exactly what we look for each year when choosing artists."
--Stacy Jo Schiller, Farmhouse Music Organization.
"Did I mention their great vocals and musicianship? Bob has a voice to be reckoned with; Ellen sings torch songs as they were meant to be sung. Tex and Jen add bass, banjo and deft harmonies ... and Doc plays fiddle and mandolin like his fingers are on fire. So take my recommendation and catch the MCSS next time they come around...you'll be a fan, too!"
-- Dennis Kingsbury (a.k.a. Floyd King of Bushwacker fame) singer/songwriter, Live! From the Living Room.
"They are the bees knees...I'm an official monkey-head!"
-- Tom Mansell, Paint Creek Folk Music Association
Who we are and what we do:
The Motor City Sidestrokers embrace the Depression-era scores, but perform their own original material with the same jump and stomp! The husband-and-wife team of Bob and Ellen Doster takes on the lead and harmony vocals, with Bob on guitar. Doc Mariotti is its resident fiddler, mandolin and tenor banjo player. Tim Pak picks banjo, dobro, and adds swell harmonies. And Tex Ragsdale slaps a bass line while lending back-up vocals. They encourage an interactive performance by inciting controlled rowdiness. Come for the music and stay for the fun!
"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians
Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
If we can get the BUS running up to par, If we can find the decorations, If Buds sound system is working, If you folks will be up north, Would you feel up to limbering up your voices and be in the mighty Mio 4 of July parade again this year?
Hey! I need my Sidestroker fix. Hope you are all doing well. Drop me an email so we can work out a date for a concert at the Diamond M. Hugs and Kisses (in a manly way of course)
The Ecology Center is holding the 5th Annual 'Dance for the Earth' benefit concert and Earth Day costume party, and we are in need of unique art, handcrafted items, gift certificates, and other items for the silent auction. Donated items will be on display at the event and also acknowledged on the Ecology Center website and in its newsletter. For more information, and to download a donation form, click here.
Dance for the Earth!
Join the hottest Earth Day party in town with live music from Brennan Andes and the Arkatoothis Orchestra, dancing, Earth Day theme costumes, drum parade, and silent auction featuring local artists and earth-friendly items ...all for a great cause!
Holy Crap, you guys knocked it out of the park at our little fundraiser this past weekend. Cant thank you enough-you guys just plain rock...both as artists and as people. Thnak you thank you so much. Love you ALL to pieces.....
Nice "Mose" folks! Stinkville ain't too far from the Nor East'r so I'l see you there , if not before. I've got a new cd out called "FREAKS" avaialable at oldgreybelly. com. Stop in and give a listen to few tracks on myspace... then go buy one or ten, (so I can float Tim some gas $$$ to get up here)
