The Ebony Hillbillies are not only one of the last black string bands in AMERICA, but they are the only string band based in NYC. Consisting of fiddle, banjo, washboard and bass fiddle, they have successfully created a following that has crossed over to audiences in pop, country, bluegrass, folk, jazz and beyond while maintaining their grassroots credibility. Their 19th century string band sound was popular in the 1920′s and 1930′s. This was a key element in the genesis of jazz and virtually everything after (blues, bluegrass, rockabilly, rock & roll, etc…). With a nothing’s off limits repertoire that pays homage to tradition but keeps an eye and ear on the present and future, The Ebony Hillbillies play a mix of tasty originals, unique renditions of classics we know and love (“Waltz Across Texas,” “Liza Jane,” Tim O’Brien’s “Time To Learn,” “Cluck Ol’ Hen,” “Jericho”) and wonderfully unexpected contemporary pop/soul songs (like Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing”). The Ebony Hillbillies provide a great introduction to a largely forgotten cultural legacy. Advance tickets are $10. and available at the SteamPlant and online at http://www.salidasteamplant.com
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