Some Background info about the Band::
photo by Joshua Zirschky
Band: Will West & The Friendly Strangers
Style: Up-Tempo Folk, Roots & Cozy Americana.
Their music hits on a wide range of styles.
Touching on elements of Jazz, Blues, Bluegrass, Old-Time Folk
and more to create a signature acoustic sound.
Location: Portland, Oregon
Recent Performances Include:
"2011 Leaders of Sustainability Awards" at EcoTrust
2011 Monday Market at Pioneer Courthouse Square
2011 Columbia County Fair
2011 Bridgeport Blockparty
2010 Flicks on the Bricks at Pioneer Square
2010 Portland Folk Festival
2009 Bite of Portland Mainstage (downtown waterfront)
Venues Include:
Mississippi Studios, Lola's Room, The Secret Society Ballroom, Dante's, Ted's Berbati's, The White Eagle Saloon, Alberta Street Pub.
Will West performs on guitar, vocals, harmonica and looping station.
Current Band Line-up includes:
*they also downsize to various Duos & Trios depending on the venue.
Drew
Norman - banjo & lap slide
Skip vonKuske - cello & mandolin
Tanner Cundy - guitar & keys
Jeff Simpson - trumpet & keys
Bob Soper -fiddle & djembe'
Sam Howard - upright bass
Don Henson - percussion
Ji Tanzer - drums
Bre Paletta & Justin Bennett on backing vocals.
Some of Will's Background:
The son of a fiddle player, Will West grew up in eastern North Carolina. Inspired by his parent's vast record collection, he began playing guitar when he was 12 years old. Finding love in Old-Time Blues and Heavy Metal.
Will started to sing in early 2000 and he began to write his first original music. He finished college and moved west in the summertime of 2002.
From his humble beginnings busking on downtown sidewalks and exploring open-mics, Will West has been on a steady climb in this rich Northwest music scene.
The Friendly Strangers came together as a band in 2009.
Known for their friendly, easy-going vibes, they find true joy in performance and love connected with the audience....
Each show can be a unique experience, with special guests and interesting instrumental combinations....
Here are some of the wonderful recent, occasional & alumni members:
Anna Tivel - violin
Julio Appling - upright bass
Salim Sanchez - percussion
Chance Hayden - guitar
Jim Prescott - upright bass
Chris Lay - percussion
Martin Carter - flute
Greg Hyatt - electric bass
Drew Shoals - drums
Noah Peterson - sax
Sean Hudson - upright bass
Dave Bamberger - upright bass
Russell Gores - upright bass & drums
Kipp Crawford - drums
Griff Bear - fiddle
Benjamin Dewey - slide guitar
For way more of the story (click here)