The Narrow Gauge String Band concert on the library lawn

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 9:00am

    The Narrow Gauge String Band will perform a free concert on the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library lawn on Sunday, Sept. 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public.

    The Narrow Gauge String Band was founded in 1997 when five guys with a love for traditional music and catchy tunes got together to play for a picnic at the old Wiscasset Waterville Narrow Gauge Railroad (http://www.wwfry.org). After the gig they continued to play once a week if it wasn't snowing too hard and sometimes even if it was.

    Like most bands, the NGSB evolved through the years. Banjo player Bob Baldwin passed away at the age of 74. His replacement, well known banjo player and historian Bob Webb, passed away on Christmas day 2013. Despite these tragic losses the “band plays on.”

    Over the years the NGSB has delighted many audiences with a laid back style, fun music, and few corny jokes between songs.

    One night while playing for the Wiscasset Community Center senior supper, one woman got so carried away with the music she leapt on a table and danced; fortunately she maintained rhythm and balance.

    The band now performs without a banjo (which may be a relief to some) and includes the following members: David Pope, mandolin/vocals; Karl Marean, fiddle; Thomas Block, guitar/vocals; James Buhrendorf, bass/vocals; and Anna Castleman, guitar, harmonica and vocals.