The Prairie Belt Boys.
The PBBs are an oldtime four or six piece string band with some punk rock drive and oldtime rhythms. Imagine 'Gid Tanner and The Skillet Likkers' crossed 'The Pogues'. Playing and performing traditional oldtime tunes fiddle & banjo tunes, originals, Irish folk rock, and any conglomeration of fun to music to watch and hear the band has carved out a growing bubble of fans in the oldtime community who consider them a musical train wreck that one cannot turn an eye or ear away.
Based out of Winston Salem NC. the "Belt Boys" are:
Toby Weaver - fiddle , bass , & drums .
Rob Gabb - banjo , & vocals .
Mike Arant - guitar , & vocals .
Andy Edmonds - fiddle , & bass .
Toby is based in Asheville NC & started playing music from a young age.
His art includes guitar , mandolin, fiddle, and drums. He comes from a long line of musicians.
Rob originates from Wales , United Kingdom and now lives in Pinnacle NC. He also started playing music from a young age playing in punk rock bands in the late 70 s early 80s . He plays banjo, guitar and tenor banjo, he also comes from a long line of musicians.
Mike Arant grew up on the Catawba River in Rock Hill SC and now resides in Charlotte NC. Mike took up the guitar in his 20's after beng told after a Grateful Dead concert that picking guitar was beyond his grasp. This lead to the likes of musicians found at most oldtime fiddle convention who were more than willing to teach those eager to learn.
Andy Edmonds is from Pilot Mountain NC and a musical background steeped in the tradtions of NC/VA oldtime music and is a master of many sounds himself. Andy plays bass , fiddle, guitar and banjo. He is the low down in the PBB sound.
All together you have The Prairie Belt Boys. Solid String Punks
FOR BOOKING INFO CALL ROBERT 336 692 4458
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
Hey Sweetie! ~ Was just thinking about you. Did you make it to Bristol for Rhythm & Roots? I sure wanted to go, but I just had surgery on my foot - just wasn't up to gimping around the festival LOL. :) Say, did you see the pic I've got posted of you?
"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
I suck really bad, but I'd love to hang out with you and jam with you a bit if you are merciful and lion-hearted! Slinky will be in attendance also, right? Not sure where we'll be camping yet this year ~ situation has changed a bit since we were there last year... :)
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
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