Sweetgrass Band Member Bios
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Jimbob Marsden has been playing in bands since he was a youngster.
In the early years during the 60's and 70's he played Soul, Rhythm & Blues and
Classic Rock. Growing up his family always played music and his father
taught him to strum along to Five Foot Two, Bill Bailey, Just Molly and Me
and so many other classics of that era. He found his roots in Country
music during the 80's and met good friend Adrian and have been playing together
ever since performing Country, Classic Rock tunes and started playing Bluegrass
during the 90's.
In 2001 he had the privilege to open for Willie Nelson at a fund raiser in
Waco Texas. He has also played bass with Aiden McGill, and has opened for
Gretchin Wilson in 2006. With all that said their heart has been in Bluegrass.
Adrian and Jimbob have met many good friends at festivals and jam sessions.
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Adrian Donally met Jimbob in the 80's and have worked together ever since
performing Country, Classic Rock tunes and started playing Bluegrass during
the 90's together. Adrian's unique and smoooth guitar style add a folk
flavour to the bluegrass tunes that only enhance the vocals that he lends
as well. A little shy and humble too.
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Allan Kirby plays banjo and Dobro with "Sweetgrass." Al is a
multi-instrumentalist who enjoys a blend of folk, country, blues,
bluegrass, and jazz. He has a B.A in Music from Queen's University and a
Masters Degree in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University. Al
has taught music privately for 35 years. In the 1990s, he traveled and
played pedal-steel guitar and guitar with performers such as Washboard
Hank, Dennis O'Toole, and Jon Piper & Matchbox. More recently, he played
banjo with the bluegrass band McCormick and the folk/jazz/bluegrass group
The Northshore Ramblers. Al has performed on numerous recordings and a
film sound-track; He recently released a solo CD, and co-wrote and
performed in the folk/musical/drama "Fowke Tales".
Since 2005, Al has performed at venues such as Toronto's Glenn Gould
Studio Theatre, Belleville's Empire Theatre, Picton's Regent Theatre,
Lindsay's Academy Theatre, Cobourg's Victoria Hall, The Old Anglican
Church in St. Thomas, Peterborough's Festival of Lights, Peterborough's
Showplace, River Valley Bluegrass Festival, Palmer Rapids Bluegrass
Festival, Shelter Valley Folk Festival, Peterborough Folk Festival, The
Fred Eaglesmith Invitational Picnic, and Rasputin's Folk Club In Ottawa.
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Ginny McIlmoyle known for her country ambitions is now adding the sweet
sounds of Bluegrass to her repertoire. You won't be dissapointed. Ginny
likes to expand her musical talents and never closes a door when
opportunity knocks. Ginny has been entertaining since the early 90's
earning respect from fellow musician and audiences across Canada and U.S.
playing rhythum guitar, singing, and writing country music. Learn more about
Ginny at ginny.ca
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Cheryl Casselman was born and raised in the
country side of Newcastle Ontario. Her parents instilled in her the passion
she has for music. Cheryl is a singer songwriter and started writing music at
a young age. She recalls seeing Buck Owens play at Ontario Place which added
to her desire to one day perform. She released her first CD, ANY ROAD NORTH of
which two songs have won Ontario Independant Music Awards for best Country
song. Cheryl is honoured to asked to join this dynamic band and has most
recently taken up the mandolin to add to the sweet sounds that make up the
SweetGrass Band.
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Guy Holloway played banjo with "Sweetgrass" in 2010 and 2011.
Guy has been playing music for the past 30 years with varous groups throughout the years. He started
playing banjo at the age of 19 and was runner up in the Canadian National Open Banjo Competition
held in Durham Ontario in 1981! Guy has done opening acts with Ronnie Prophet, Mel McDaniel, Ferlin Huskey
and John Conlee just to name a few. Bluegrass has always been a passion for Guy even though he has never
played in a Bluegrass band up until now. |
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