Eagle Hill Cultural Center : Bearfoot
Concert May 15 at Hardwick, Mass.
By: David Wilson - 05/05/2010
Left to Right: Kate Hamre, Jason Norris, Odessa Jorgensen, Angela Oudean and Mike Mickelson
The latest CD
The state of the art Abbey Theatre at the Eagle Hill Cultural Center in Hardwick, MA
On May 15th, Bearfoot will appear in concert at the Eagle Hill Cultural Center's Abbey Theatre in Hardwick, MA. Originally named Bearfoot Bluegrass, within two years of their formation they were designated Telluride Bluegrass Band Champions, no mean accomplishment. It came to many as a surprise that this band originated in Alaska, not the first locale most of us might associate with Bluegrass.
As a musical entity, however, they are much more than the label implies and dropping Bluegrass from their name has been a freeing step toward achieving a higher level of artistry and a much wider audience.
From their early beginning as six talented teen counselors at an Alaskan Bluegrass summer camp to a top notch touring band almost a decade later, there has been a steady evolvement. The repertoire now embraces a wide range of American root music and in their latest incarnation they are breaking new artistic ground.
The current band of five Kate Hamre - acoustic bass, Odessa Jorgensen - fiddle, Mike Mickelson - guitar, Jason Norris – mandolin and Angela Oudean – fiddle, are each highly ranked and creative instrumentalists. They feature striking vocal solos, wide ranging harmonies and unique interpretations.
Their latest CD Doors and Windows, released last month, has been receiving critical acclaim.
Appearances in this area have as yet been rare so if American root music is to your taste, catch them now. This is a group well worth your interest.
Click here for samples of Bearfoot music
Click here for ticket information