Marietta, Ga. (September 12, 2011) —The Packway Handle Band is bringing their energetic and unique alternative bluegrass to The Earl Smith Strand Theatre stage on Friday, October 7, 2011 at 8 p.m.
Formed in the legendary music scene of Athens, Ga in 2001, The Packway Handle Band emerged as a ground-breaking bluegrass band, and has since won over both long-time fans of bluegrass and newcomers to the genre as well. The Packway Handle Band’s tight 4-part harmonies, high energy performances, and sense of humor, is sure to bring an unforgettable night of music to Marietta.
“Four out of five of the guys [in the band] grew up together in the Marietta/Kennesaw/Acworth area” says band member Josh Erwin, “During high school there would be some local high school bands playing shows at The Strand to go see. Those were some of my first experiences going to a local theatre to see bands play.”
The Packway Handle Band is comprised of five excellent musicians, and although they play traditional bluegrass instruments, don’t think you’ve got them figured out. They’re just as likely to play a Violent Femmes or Stevie Wonder cover, as a song from their extensive catalog of originals, traditional bluegrass tunes, and gospel.
The Packway Handle band first found national acclaim as finalists in the Telluride bluegrass competition in 2002 and 2003, and then by taking second place in 2004. Since then, the band has continued to steadily gain fans and win awards, while travelling often and performing 200 shows a year.
The band features Tom Baker on banjo and vocals, Josh Erwin on guitar and vocals, Andrew Heaton on fiddle and vocals, Zach McCoy on bass, and Michael Paynter on mandolin and vocals.
The concert is all ages. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the event. On sale now.
The Earl Smith Strand Theatre’s annual music series featuring beach music, bluegrass, country, rock & roll, jazz, and nostalgic pop classics kicked off this Summer. Through the end of 2011, the series has four shows remaining: Friday, October 7, 2011, 8 p.m. The Packway Handle Band; Friday, November 18, 2011, 8 p.m. Yacht Rock Revue; Saturday, November 19, 2011, 8 p.m. Please PleaseRock Me (Beatles/Pink Floyd Tribute); Tuesday, December 20, 2011, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m. Jeffrey Bützer and T.T. Mahony Present Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas.
The historic Earl Smith Strand Theatre is a multi-use performing arts and events facility. The theatre is governed by the Friends of The Strand, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and depends on the financial support of private and corporate donors. It is The Strand’s mission to serve the community with cultural entertainment for a diverse audience and to promote economic health in the City of Marietta and Cobb County. For more information or tickets, visit www.EarlSmithStrand.org or the Box Office at 770-293-0080 or 117 North Park Square, Marietta, 30060. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 4 PM; and two hours before the show.