The Bandmembers and their primary functions: Dave Edwards...Guitar, harmonica, lead and harmony vocals,... purveyor of colorful metaphors,...'bice'n(it's a middle English word..look it up)...and shipping and receiving.
Susie Stephenson.....Hammered and mountain dulcimer...jaw harp...harmony vocals......procurement of food....... censorship(''shut-up Dave'').......and cruise control (''slow down Dave'')
Chris Dempsey.......fiddle, mandolin, cello, harmony vocals.....backing the trailer ... and driving in the rain...
Heather Dempsey.......lead and harmony vocals, tamborine......creating beautiful dances out of total chaos... and sales.....
Doug Carson...Bass, fiddle...and trying to get the rest of us to ''play by the book''.....
Jessa Hawthorne .....Hammered Dulcimer, Web Design,....and occasional provider of Bandwagon 2
...We have been together for about 15 years. In order to stay together for that long and still have fun I'd have to say we are not simply a musical group but a circle of true friends. A combined interest in history and music is what brought us together. Hopefully we have found a way to preserve part of that history through music.
...When the fiddle, dulcimer, guitar and bass kick in, toes start tapping and we go back in time to another era. A time where a dance was high entertainment whether it was a grand ball or a barn dance! Heather is a wonderful instructor and in just a little while has everyone feeling comfortable enough to give it a try! We usually start out with a Grand March which is a way for everyone to be introduced to each other. This is followed by waltzes, reels, patty-cake polkas, and the Carolina promenade. These are lovely graceful dances and so much fun to participate in.
...Always after the last waltz we call everyone up to sing along on some of the very favorite songs of the era. This ends the evening on a high note and leaves everyone looking forward to the next time!
...Now when you think of a band on the road you probably don't think of living in a tent for the weekend but that's where we are quite often. And it's a BIG canvas tent and takes an hour or so to just get it set up! No modern amenities are to be visible..in essence it's just like 1860. You just know we have to be tough to handle it! Dave's claim to fame in life is his ability to complain about any and every little thing and to do so in the most humorous way possible. Even in the most adverse conditions we are laughing. We have a rather nice set up. Some call it 'Tent, Sweet, Tent.' The best part of the weekend is having friends visit and hang out with us. The re-enactors are like family and after hours is often when the music is most relaxed and best.
...The music has brought us so many great memories. Over the years we've had a lot of changes but the one thing that remains the same is .......we still have fun doing what we do! "Some" of us complain a little more about setting up the tent, or long roadtrips. But the fact remains, when the time comes to load up we still look forward to the trip. I don't know that our neighbors in Sutler Row look forward to hearing us pull up in the wee small hours with all the hammering, and noise and Dave loudly singing ''At the Copa", but we haven't been banned yet and that's always a plus.
...We have developed a 'serious' fan base and we love hearing from all our friends, getting messages on our forum and also on myspace. One thing that we all take pride in is the fact that a lot of young musicians have taken a liking to us! Watching these kids grow and learn has been a wonderful experience for us all. You know our line has always been 'Keeping the Memories Alive', and having all these kids interested is the way to assure that this music will continue to be enjoyed both by the players and listeners! Thanks Jessa Hawthorne, Luke Weathington,Josh Hixon, Brandon Maderis, Nolan,Jasmine, Erin Jane, Chad, Taylor and so many others I can't even name them all!
...People invariably ask, "What does the name, Un-Reconstructed, mean?"....
We've always said it is a state of mind and not a political statement but I like to think it has just become a synonym for pride in our heritage. We want to honor that heritage and keep it alive for the future generations so we do a lot of school programs. We talk about the instruments and origins of the songs and even do a small bit of dance instruction sometimes.
Congrats on the Emmy.. YOUr group well deserves it.. We knew you would get it. We have allways loved your music. We Just got back from the 145th in Gettysburg and it would have been nice to have yall there. But congrats again!!!
Enjoying the music, Chris. Long time, no see. This is your old SigEp bro Damon Eubanks here. Playing music myself these days, although of a very different variety. Drop a line when you get a chance. Take care. - dee
I just have to say that your version of 'Bonnie Blue Flag' is my ultimate favorite and I play it to and from my job every single day pretty much on repeat. I LOVE how you play it and just needed to let you all know how beloved it is to me.
Hey! So sorry to call yall at 2 am... they just kept saying "tornados on the ground heading straight to Gadsden AL" so of course I had to call! :) Hope yall are having a good morning. Happy Mother's Day!
