THE BAND
"TOOKANY CREEK hits every sweet spot for me. Their take on bluegrass music is sincere and passionate. Their approach is respectful without being merely imitative.
The chemistry between the players is enchanting. They bring something new and special to songs I've heard a thousand times and that's a rare and wonderful thing."---Elliot D. festival promoter
BETH MEAD (banjo/vocals) has been a faculty member of South Plains College in Levelland TX and continues to instruct there annually at their summer Bluegrass Camp. She is the proud co-author with celebrated banjoist Alan Munde, of the Hal Leonard publication The Great American Banjo Songbook.
Beth is about the banjo playingingest gal you will ever hear!
PAUL KENNEY (guitar/vocals). No matter where Paul's career path has landed him, be it Dallas, D.C. or Philadelphia, he has always been able to add his lead vocals and powerful rythm guitar chops to the bluegrass scene in a major way. He has performed, recorded with and travelled to Great Brittain with Virginia's TOO FAR GONE. Paul is one of the founding members of The KING BROTHERS duet expanding in recent years from bluegrass to its Celtic cousin, Irish music.
Paul knows two magic tricks.
JOHN CATTERALL (mandolin/vocals). John began performing on banjo in 1967 as a member of the Ukranian American String Band and stringed instruments have been a large part of his life ever since. He has played with a number of folky duets and trios, spent over 25 years playing banjo with the MOUNTAIN LAUREL BLUEGRASS BAND and plays with Paul Kenney in The KING BROTHERS. For John, the best part of any music is the vocal harmonies, and that makes even rehearsing with TOOKANY CREEK a particular joy. John is the tallest member of the band and uses excellent grammar.
GEORGE STECK (upright bass). It is often said in bluegrass circles that there's nothing like a good bass player. Well, George is nothing like a good bass player...he is a great bass player! Providing a rock solid foundation be it for breakdown or ballad, George is instrumental (sorry) in keeping the drive alive. Mr. Steck is a founding member of the Holmesburg Jam, a venerable institution of some 46 years standing. He has performed with the BLUE RIBBON ROUNDERS, RAVEN HILL BLUEGRASS and the SULLIVAN BROTHERS as well as a 25 year stint with the MOUNTAIN LAUREL BLUEGRASS BAND.
His deft musical chops are exceeded only by his witty repartee.