We played two great sets last night at Cristina’s Cafe in Strasburg, VA.   Cristina’s is heavily invested in the local food movement – they are now raising their own pigs for use in the restaurant,  Their menu is based on great local-sourced food and innovative recipes.  In addition, they have a fine supply of hand-crafted beers from across the country.  Dinner and a couple of beers is part of the pay for the gig so all of these fine food qualities are much appreciated.

We’ve been playing here for several years and really enjoy the close proximity of the stage to the diners.  As the night goes on a conversation develops between the customers and the band.  We present a musical voyage into the 1800’s and early 1900’s.  Along that voyage we provide dance tunes, ballads, waltzes and a few silly songs.  With fiddle, banjo and Galax-style Appalachian dulcimer we present the musical sound that would have been found at any country gathering in the mid 19th century.  The questions and conversations that happen during the breaks clearly indicate that folks really enjoy getting in touch with the historical music perspective and how this brought us into the current music scene.  Thanks Crissy – enjoyed it again!

The Highlander String Band – Jim Gaskins on fiddle, Phyllis Gaskins on Appalachian lap dulcimer and Gene Bowlen on clawhammer banjo.