The Skirtlifters authentically recreate the music of the 19th century riverboat, stage and parlor, enlivened by period humor, skits, songs and percussive dance. Their repertoire includes jigs, reels, rags, galops, marches and waltzes. Programs range from Louisiana Purchase to Civil War to early 20th century Ragtime. Lecture - demonstrations are presented to many age levels on topics including traditional buckdancing, traditional American popular music, and workshops in banjo styles by internationally renowned banjoist Clark Buehling.
In Summer 2004 The Skirtlifters completed their first European tour, playing to enthusiastic audiences in Switzerland, Belgium, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland. Performing at bluegrass festivals, historic sites and in the shadow of the Atomium for the Brosella Festival in Brussels, the band surprised thousands of new-found fans with the diversity and spirit of their music, humor and dance.
The Skirtlifters are: Clarke Buehling, banjos and vocals; Kent Beyette, dance and percussion; Tom Verdot, fiddle; and Thom Howard, guitar and vocals. (Purchase Thom Howard's solo guitar CD "Sometimes a Guitar is Just a Guitar" here at CDBaby.com.)
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