Chris Jones, guitar
Fred Keller, mandolin
Joel Olson, banjo
Ross Willits, bass
Influences
Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, Hank Williams, The Beatles, Mississippi Sheiks, Tommy Jarrell, Fiddlin' Arthur Smith, Hot Rize, Nashville Bluegrass Band, Mike Compton, Doc Watson, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Martin, JD Crowe
The Whistlepigs are fast becoming known around the region for their energy, intensity, and pure joy of playing.
The band is made up of four talented veteran bluegrass pickers, Fred Keller on mandolin, Joel Olson on Banjo, Chris Jones on Guitar, and Ross Willits on Bass. And all four sing leads and harmonies.
Their music selection spans the spectrum from traditional Monroe-style bluegrass, to 'bluegrassified' versions of songs by The Beatles and Grateful Dead, to oldtime Appalachian music, to some deliciously obscure songs you won't hear anywhere else.
The Whistlepigs are also excellent songwriters, with a growing catalog of original bluegrass tunes. They've recorded a bunch of these on their new, 2008, release entitled "Fenceline."
The 'Pigs, as they're affectionately known, have played venues and festivals across the Upper Midwest including all three MBOTMA Festivals, Lakes Bluegrass Festival, the Minnesota State Fair, Forget Summer Arts Fest (3 years running in 2008!) in Saskatchewan, Sioux Falls, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and too many others to mention.
Their debut CD 'Unjugged' was released in 2004, and has received airplay on bluegrass stations from here to Kentucky. It is available for purchase on their website and in person. It was recently certified ‘mylar’ for selling over 300 copies! "Fenceline" is expected to reach aluminum at the very least--ask for it at a local bluegrass radio station near you and order it online at www.whistlepigs.com as well as www.cdbaby.com.
The Whistlepigs String Band's Friend Space (Top 8)
My kids have really taken to your music, especially Miss Molly. My ten year old boy put the bumper sticker on his folder and couldn't believe his classmates didn't know who the Whistlepigs were!
Hi guys, thanks for the add. I hope you'll be able to come check it out the festival. We've got a great mix of bands this year. Check our page for more audio tracks soon.
Chris, Grandma J is back in the hospital again, Keith and I and you folks were there at the house for Easter dinner. Today is her 85th birth day. It just makes me sad to see them growing old. Grandma was admitted with chest pain and shortness of breath, and a rapid heartbeat. Which is what I found out that I have last September when I was in the hospital. I have been doing okay. Had some problems with some panic attacks, and had to have my med's changed. I just worry about my folks. frale, and weak, mostly Grandma J is. and Grandpap repeats alot. -sigh what are you gonna do. He that calendar was really cute that you sent your folks. Just take one day at a time like the last time when she was in. And of course prayer helps too. I will keep you posted.
Chris, Grandma J has been in the hospital for about a week. took a heart attack. She is doing okay. Just taking one day at a time. How you guys doing. Sincerely, Christy M
I am so proud of all of you. And of course who could forget my nephew! Greetings from Pennsylvania. Rained here all day, least its better that snow. Sincerely,Christy M
