The Runaway String Band March 25, 2006

The Runaway String Band brings together four long-time Williamsburg-area musicians to produce a wonderful variety of bluegrass, old time and swing music. With lush vocal harmonies and hot instrumentals, the Runaway String Band provides audiences with a taste of American music from the 1930s, 40s and 50s, and includes some contemporary pieces as well. Doug Austin, formerly with the acclaimed bluegrass ensemble Virginia Rail, plays the mandolin for the group and adds strong harmony vocals. Five-string banjoist Dave Paddock sings both harmony and lead, and creates the Runaway String Band's vocal arrangements. He brings years of experience in a variety of vocal ensembles. Rounding out the group are Barry and Lynn Trott. Both are long-time performers of 17th and 18th century music in Williamsburg. Barry plays both guitar and mandolin, and, as the Runaway Sting Band's primary lead vocalist, is responsible for much of the band's repertoire. Lynn holds the distinction of being the only viola de gamba player in all of bluegrass music. Her virtuosity with this baroque instrument leaves even the most seasoned bluegrass listeners wondering if the gamba wasn't Bill Monroe's first instrument choice. Together as the Runaway Sting Band, this quartet delights audiences with its tight harmonies, driving rhythms and unique arrangements of bluegrass, old-time and swing music. The Runaway String Band has performed at numerous local and regional festivals, gatherings and establishments, including the Jamestown Folk Festival, Rhythm of the Rails Festival, Tidewater Friends of Folk Music Concert Series, An Occasion for the Arts, Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival and the Onancock Harbor Festival.

Event submitted by Eventful on behalf of programs.