Down Trodden String Band

We first met up at the weekly session in the Manners pub in Bakewell (where we can still be found most Thursday evenings). Then we agreed to play for a local Appalachian dance group, fell in love with American Old Time music and have never been the same since. Now, in addition to playing for Well Heeled, we perform at concerts, festivals and ceilidhs.

Stuart and Trefor Doug, Helmut and Steve
Outside Cousin Gary's fine eating establishment, Pilot Mountain, NC Outside the home of Old Fort Mountain Music, Old Fort, NC
Stuart Mandolin, Guitar, Vocals. Band archivist and sound engineer. A skilful and accomplished player Stuart finds his talents completely wasted in this band, but stays on because he enjoys the drinking.
Trefor Guitar, Whistle, Vocals. Unable to spell his own name properly (but he's Welsh so we forgive him). Only known player of the string whistle.
Doug Knobs. The man behind the desk, Doug looks after the sound at our gigs.
Helmut Banjo, Vocals. A professional instrument maker, Helmut made the banjo he plays on stage. He also sews all the sequins onto his stage costumes by hand. To check out his instrument making skills, visit him on the web at www.orbmusic.co.uk.
Steve Mandola, Guitar, Vocals. Won't play an ordinary mandolin like anyone else but has to show off with fancy, nobody-ever-knows-what-the-hell-it-is octave mandola. On stage, Steve introduces each number until forcibly stopped by other members of the band.

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