The West End String Band will perform May 24 at the Pickin’ Parlor on Hwy. 29 Conn. The West End String Band is an exciting new combination of musicians dedicated to playing and performing traditional bluegrass music with modern appeal.
Charlie McDaniel, guitar and vocals, moved to the upstate area about 20 years ago from Rutherford County, N.C. He was a member of the popular regional band, Hickory Flat, for over 20 years. Hickory Flat brought home a top 10 finish in the SPGMA bluegrass band world championship, followed by several busy years on the festival circuit.
After moving to Greenville, Charlie met his wife-to-be Kathy.. She grew up singing American traditional songs with her father in Northwestern Ohio. As a percussionist in high school, she won the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award for piano. Kathy became a die-hard bluegrass fan the first time she attended the popular Pickin’ at Pickens Bluegrass Festival.
After going to bluegrass jams and shows with Charlie, she decided to take up a new instrument. Her great timing and true love for the music made the bass a great choice for her. She anchors the group now with her rock solid timing and harmony vocals.
Charlie and Kathy played around Greenville for a year or so as a duet, playing bluegrass, folk, and acoustic blues, always longing for a banjo to take their music back to its traditional roots. They were ecstatic when Jim Rollins joined the group with his superb banjo playing and high lonesome vocals.
Jim, a Clemson graduate, hails from the DC area, and currently lives in Simpsonville. His style, though steeped in traditional bluegrass, is versatile and creative. Jim’s voice will pull your heartstrings. He has had the honor of being a Sunny Mountain Boy with Jimmy Martin, as well as playing tour dates with Dale Ann Bradley, The Blinky Moon Boys and many others.
Owner Jack Ellenburg said the live music will be one of the first of semi-professional bands they plan to feature at least once each month.
“All events are free and family friendly,” Ellenburg said. Anyone interested is invited to the venue.
The Pickin’ Parlor has been a community project that has offered a place for bluegrass musicians and fans to gather and jam or listen for 14 years.
They are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. WESB will perform from 8:15-9 p.m. The Trey Ward Band is scheduled for June.
