Bio:

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Infectiously soaked bluegrass steeped in rural Americana and ensconced in dirty country rock

HAM IN THE BASEMENT

The Dixie Red Delights features the original music of Erin McDermott accompanied by the talents of Doug Perkins, Jen Wells and Ben Roy.

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Erin McDermott

Erin has been writing and performing her songs for over seven years, opening for the likes of Grammy award winner Tim O’Brien, Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, Russ Barenberg and Railroad Earth. Erin’s relaxed, low key stage presence makes her new friends every night. With a voice that has been described as Alison Krauss, Natalie Merchant and Janis Joplin in a drunken brawl, Erin’s vibrato and supple, yet strong voice creates an atmosphere that is completely unique and inventive.

Doug Perkins

Doug brings a wealth of experience and talent to the group. Doug is best known for his work with Smokin' Grass and for his duet performances with mandolinist Jamie Masefield as well as performances with greats such as Vassar Clements, Mike Gordon, Jon Fishman, and Leftover Salmon. With his stylistically precise leads and intricate melodies, Doug's distinctive guitar and mandolin style provide an essential rhythmic and harmonic layer to the Dixie Red Delights.

Jen Wells

Classically trained on upright bass from age 11, Jen honed her craft in Kansas City, Missouri, performing in school orchestra, youth symphonies, rock bands, and pit orchestras. She went to college with a music scholarship and performed with the wind symphony, symphony orchestra, and jazz band as well as various jazz combos, pit orchestras, and choral accompaniments. Jen is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, national honorary band fraternity. With tasteful bass lines and sheer knowledge, Jen communicates a perfect rhythm that steals the show.

Ben Roy

A central Vermont native, Ben has been performing in the area since his teenage years, collaborating with many of the area's best talents. With a diverse listening and playing background, he never fails to surprise his bandmates and audiences with creative, exciting beats and unmatched energy, making the percussion a key melodic component.

Sitting in from time to time:

Matt Schrag

Matt Schrag, a relative newcomer to the Vermont music scene. Originally from Virginia, Matt has already found his nitch playing regularly with some of Vermont’s finest including The Gordon Stone Band, The Dixie Red Delights, Brett Hughes, Adam Frehm, Mike Santosusso, and D Davis among others. Also a fine singer, Matt brings a traditional, yet incredibly fresh approach to his lively mandolin playing conveying the most subtle yet dynamic leads on his instrument.

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“Erin McDermott writes short stories in song about small town life in Vermont. Her characters come alive in the songs and you get to know these real people by the time the second chorus comes around. With a voice as strong and as uniquely expressive as her lyrics, Erin is a songwriter to watch in the coming years.”

Tim O’Brien (Singer/Songwriter)

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"Erin McDermott's voice is true and authentic, it embodies everything Vermont and good."

Jamie Masefield (Jazz Mandolin Project)

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Member Since:

February 13, 2008

Members:

Erin McDermott
Vocals, guitar

Doug Perkins
Mandolin, acoustic/electric guitar

Jen Wells
Upright bass

Ben Roy
Percussion

Influences:

The Gourds, The Dead, Wilco, Ryan Adams, Timmy O, Darrell Scott, Robert Earl Keen, Dolly Parton, Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall (mostly winter) Charlie O's, Patty Griffin, Joni Mitchell, AKUS, The 80's, Mingus, Whiskey, Beer, PBR, Frank Zappa, Spearhead, Old Crow, Trixie, Old Cat Fork, Bear Hoot Hollow, Chester, Artemis, American Spirit, Kristina Stykos and her rocking studio, David Grisman, The Police, Andy Fischbeck, G-Man, JEkis, Dixie Chicks, R.E.M., The Kinks, Talking Heads, Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Made in Iron, Neti Pot, and of course maple syrup.

Sounds Like:

Alt-Country/Disco Grass

Record Label:

Halogen Records