The Sassafras Bluegrass Band invites you to a "HOOTENANNY" at the Little Theatre in Gore, NZ on Saturday, May 24th at 7:30pm.

What is a "HOOTENANNY"? It is a "banjo-brained hoedown-throwdown-don't slow down until the cows come home!" Sassafras is from the Foothills and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in the USA, which is home to some of the best bluegrass music you will find. Sassafras pays homage to the Father of Bluegrass music, Bill Monroe, as well as other bluegrass pioneers such as the Country Gentlemen, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs. Sassafras enjoys pushing the edge of progressive Newgrass music, as well. Sassafras also includes a range of other musical styles in their repertoire including country, folk, western swing, and originals. 

Sassafras band members have performed at a lengthy list of festivals and venues nationally and internationally including: Grand Old Opry (Nashville, Tennessee), MerleFest (North Carolina), Mean Fiddler (London, England), Walnut Valley Festival (Kansas), Song of the Mountains (PBS TV Series), High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival (Colorado), AGEC Bluegrass (Paris, France), Hamishes' Hoose (Scotland), Güglinger Bluegrass Festival (Germany), Albino Skunk Festival (South Carolina), Susanville Bluegrass Festival (California), Wickenburg Bluegrass Festival (Arizona), Rocky Top (Tokyo, Japan), Mussel Inn (New Zealand) and many others.

Sassafras Band Members

Kent Dowell (Banjo, Vocals) – Kent played banjo for the legendary Charlie Waller and The Country Gentlemen, from 1979 through 1982. He recorded three albums with them including: “Sit Down Young Stranger”, “River Bottom”, and a live recording with the Seldom Scene, Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, and others, called “Bluegrass the Greatest Show on Earth”. Musically, Kent has toured over most of the USA and toured Europe in 1980. Kent still performs with his own band, Bluegrass Blend, which he formed in the mid-70’s.  Sassafras is proud to have Kent as a member of the band on our 2025 New Zealand tour. 

Billy Gee (Bass, Vocals) – Billy has shared the stage with Doc Watson, John Cowan, Jack Lawrence, Wayne Henderson, Don Story, Mel Jones, and many other notable musicians. Billy toured as bassist with bluegrass legend Charlie Waller and The Country Gentlemen. Billy received the Dr. T.R. Bryan Wilkes Heritage Award and is a member of the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame. Billy has performed at the esteemed Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee as a member of Darin and Brooke Aldridge Band. Billy contributes original material for Sassafras and is a founding band member when the band formed in the late-90’s. 

Wes Tuttle (Mandolin, Fiddle, Vocals) -- Wes has performed on stage with Doc Watson, Kenny Baker, Benny Martin, Terry Baucom, Mark O'Connor, Jerry Douglas, Wes Golding, and many other notable musicians. Wes has also recorded with Tony Rice, Ronnie Bowman, Russell Moore, Jim Buchanan. Wes is the consummate musician and epitomizes the “high lonesome sound” with his sterling vocal range. Wes continues to write music and contributed one of his original songs to the latest Sassafras CD. 

Randy Gambill (Guitar, Vocals) -- Randy has performed on stage or recorded with Doc Watson, Jack Lawrence, Pete Wernick, Doug Jernigan, Steve Lewis, and Roy Huskey Jr. and many other notable musicians. While living England, Randy toured Europe promoting Bluegrass and Americana music. Randy’s original songs have been featured on BBC Radio & the PBS TV Series “Song of the Mountains.”  Randy continues to write music for Sassafras and another band, Non-Prophets, and contributed two of his songs to the latest Sassafras CD. 

So, come and join us for a taste of southern Appalachian Mountain music and let's have some fun. Y'all come!!!

Please note the organisers of Bayleys Tussock Country Music Festival may be in touch with customers directly with more information about this and future events.

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