Paul Todaro ("Skeet Willie" on bass, vocals); Todd Benzin ("T. R. Benz" on guitar); Ron Kowalewski ("Big Ronnie K" on accordion); Phil Knoerzer ("Pinky Rez" on guitar, harmonica); Maggie Zindle ("Maggie Mae" on fiddle, banjo); Greg Gizzi ("Hairball Gizzi" on percussion)
Influences
Hank Williams, Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash, Beatles, Red Stick Ramblers, Merle Haggard, Louis Jordan
Sounds Like
Old Crow Medicine Show, Derailers, Asleep at the Wheel, Stone Country
With their energetic blend of hillbilly, honky-tonk, and rockabilly, the Skiffle Minstrels have become Western New York favorites. At every show, the band tears through classics by Hank Williams Sr., Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Bill Monroe, Louis Jordan, and more - but don't be surprised if you also hear a few Beatles tunes, a favorite from Cole Porter, a Zydeco number, or even a little Kurt Weil. The Skiffles, who adopt on-stage personas like "Skeet Willie" and "Pinky Rez," are also known for their crowd-pleasing banter and audience interaction - what the Buffalo News calls "heckle-licious."
You can hear more of the Skiffle Minstrels by downloading a free podcast from iTunes (search for WBFO on the Border") or at www.wbfo.org. The Skiffles were also featured on Buffalo's own ArtVoiceTV, in a video shot by Jamie Moses at Nietzsche's.
Thank for clearing a corner in you heart for a yodeling banjo player. I'm happy to be here. Yours Cordially, Curtis P. Eller =========== "Wirewalkers & Assassins" the new CD by Curtis Eller's American Circus Order it online here: Curtis Eller's American Circus www. curtiseller. com
The next show's not until September???? Ya gotta be kidding me! You guys better get cracking and find some exciting new venues!! Any chance you could get on the roster for one of the bazillion summer concert series that are going on?
