This could be a huge long list, but we'll just leave you with a few...
Single mic Bluegrass,
Electric Bass,
4 part harmonies,
David Byrne,
John Waits,
Violent Femmes,
Hot Rize,
INXS,
Bela Fleck et al,
Louvin Brothers,
80's pop,
Garrison Keillor,
etc...
"Packway Handle's strength is in its cohesiveness. Vocal Harmonies and string syncopations lock together like Legos.…" -Aspen Daily News.
It all started in Athens, Georgia in 2001 during a most peculiar spell when 5 or 6 bluegrass bands circulated the town. The famous Athens, which had once spawned the B-52s, REM, Widespread Panic, and countless other indie, pop and punk acts, was now the home to a competing minority of bluegrass players. The Packway Handle Band emerged from this small scene, finding national acclaim first as finalists at the Telluride bluegrass competition in 2002 and 2003, then taking 2nd place in 2004. The band’s 2003 debut album, “Chaff Harvest” was produced using prize awards from a local Battle of the Bands. PHB was on a roll and has continued to win over fans and rack up awards.
In early 2006 the band went on the road full time, wowing audiences across the country with close 4-part harmonies and their dance around two tightly-spaced condenser mics. The Packway Handle Band has emerged at the national forefront of bands that use this “gather around the mic” style. PHB’s second full length record “(Sinner) You Better Get Ready” was recorded this way. Theirs is not a mission to preserve historical styles—it’s just how they do what they do the best. And what they do best is rooted in thought provoking songwriting, clever choice and arrangement of bluegrass traditionals, and totally unexpected (even totally inappropriate) covers, all delivered with a crackling energy. If you get an idea of what Packway Handle is early in a show, you’ll probably change your mind several times before they’re done. But it’s obvious their enthusiasm and sense of humor are honest, and that what they do appeals to broad audiences, even those who don’t normally listen to bluegrass. Yes, they play bluegrass instruments, and hey, they even play them mostly in the bluegrass way; but you won’t find a whole lot of lyrics about rambling or trains or wagon wheels, and you’re not going to say you’ve heard this band before, unless you actually have.
Hey, Im posting new videos today! and if you are in Texas, come on out to Six Flags (san Antonio) Friday where I'll be performing with Drake Bell (of Nickelodeon's Josh and Drake) and Saturday with Drake in Six Flags Dallas. Sunday I will be at Jo's on Congress in Austin! Hope to see some of yall out this weekend! And TUESDAY July 14, the band will be filming a performance for the tv show at SAXON PUB! Be in the audience for the tv show 4:30 to 6!!!!!!!! Ruby Jane
"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
July 4th - 1st Annual Red, White & Brewgrass Festival featuring Mountain Heart, hosted by Packway Handle Band - 14 bluegrass acts on 2 stages starting at 1pm - Bands featured include: Hawk Proof Rooster 1:00 PM # North Georgia Bluegrass Band 2:00 PM # Johnny Roquemore &the Apostles of Bluegrass 3:00 PM # Bob Hay &The Jolly Beggars 3:30 PM # The Solstice Sisters 4:30 PM # Peachtree Station 5:00 PM # String Theory 6:00 PM # The Corduroy Road 6:30 PM # The Jumpin’ Jesus Christers 7:30 PM # The Dappled Grays 8:00 PM # Curley Maple 9:00 PM # Mountain Heart 9:30 PM # Mayhem String Band 10:30 PM # Packway Handle Band 11:00 PM General Admission $15.00 in advance $20.00 day of show. The Melting Point is an intimate concert venue located in the beautiful Foundry Park Inn ( in Athens, Ga - widely known as the live music capital of the Southeast. With impeccable sound and playing host to the very best musicians in the nation, The Melting Point offers patrons a unique, front row listening experience. tickets can be purchased by phone at (706) 254-6909 or online at www.meltingpointathens.com. For this weekend, the Foundry Park Inn is offering a special room rate of $74 per room for Fri & Sat July 3 & 4th. To receive this special discount, reservations must be made by calling (706) 549-7020. Be sure to mention the "Brewgrass" rate. To learn more about the hotel, visit www.foundryparkinn.com.
DEADHEADS GET READY TO PARTY HEARTY WITH FAMILY GROOVE COMPANY~ROOTSTAND~IFDAKAR,AND MORE! Hey now! The 3Gs ('aka Grateful Garcia Gathering), is returning back to the Camp NCN Venue in beautiful Black River Falls Wisconsin July 30th though August 2nd 2009 where it all began over 6 years ago! A grateful place where Garcia fans will be gathering! It also marks the celebration of Jerry Garcia's 67th Birthday, plus the 14th Anniversary of Jerry's untimely passing. We have leased the campground venue for July 30th though August 3rd 2009 for our 6th annual music festival.
Other great music festivals have hosted at this venue such as Weedstock, Farmapalooza, Big Wu Family Reunion, Campout Roots Festival,just to name a few!
Artists included: Family Groove Company, Rootstand, Ifdakar, Boney Fingers, Baghdad SCUBA Review, Fungus Garden Reverb, Jam and the Playground Kids, In the Dark, MMC Trio, Elf Lettuce, Vinny Weible & Soul Logic, Groovitational Pull, The Reggie, Grateful Beth and the Volunteers, The Bar Tab Band, John Statz, Mr. Cab Driver, Brok'n Arrow, Greyleaf, and more Jambands to be added soon!
Our friends at Mystix Toyz will be on board at the 3G's for tons of family fun with juggling demonstrations, including juggling workshops, face painting, kids parades, plus drum circles and fire dance jams every night
Online Now!
