The award-winning bluegrass band The Katahdin Valley Boys. Submitted photo
The award-winning bluegrass band The Katahdin Valley Boys will be in concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, at the Vienna Union Hall.
The Katahdin Valley Boys, one of Maine’s most popular and respected Bluegrass bands, have been entertaining audiences throughout New England since 1998. The Maine Academy of Country Music and The Maine Country Music Association have both recognized The Katahdin Valley Boys with their respective “Bluegrass Band of the Year” awards on numerous occasions. The Katahdin Valley Boys take pride in presenting a top quality show featuring traditional and contemporary bluegrass and bluegrass gospel music. Each band member brings with them many years of experience. Their repertoire features vocal versatility in tight harmonies, smooth solos, as well as flashy, fiery instrumentals. The Katahdin Valley Boys have a fresh, personal approach that is presented in an engaging, light-hearted, family-friendly atmosphere that is sure to entertain.
Jeff Folger, a native of Sidney, sings lead and tenor harmony. He plays the 5-string banjo, influenced by the styles of Ralph Stanley, Earl Scruggs, and J.D. Crowe. He began performing in 1993 and is a founding member of The Katahdin Valley Boys. Dan Simon who makes his home in Vienna, sings lead and harmonies while playing mandolin, guitar, and fiddle. He draws from a deep well of experience playing with various root and bluegrass ensembles. He joined the band in 2016. Ken Brooks, from Athens, has been performing for over 50 years. He was honored by being inducted in The Maine Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012. His superb lead and rhythm guitar playing and extraordinary vocals are a hallmark of the Katahdin Valley Boys. Bass player Steve Bixby lives in Round Pond. He does much of the emcee work and story-telling. An accomplished bass player and recording artist, he has played with several well-known acts at numerous bluegrass festivals throughout the Northeast.
Following The Katahdin Valley Boys will be concerts by Greg Boardman with Elsie Gawler and Steve Muise, The Oshima Brothers, Kyle Knuppel and Matt Davis, The Porch Party Mama’s, and The Pihcintu Multinational Girls Chorus. Interspersed within this musical line-up include theatre performances by The Vienna Historical Society and The Vienna Woods Players. Bearnstow on Parker Pond rounds out the season with an evening of interpretive dance.
The Vienna Union Hall is located at 5 Vienna Mountain Rd., Vienna. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit viennaunionhall.org and click on Arts and Events or email at viennaunionhall@gmail.com.
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