Tussey Mtn Moonshiners

Welcome back, Moonshiners!

About the Moonshiners

The Tussey Mountain Moonshiners honor the bluegrass traditions of the Central Pennsylvania region, "served up in their own special sauce," with a musical style that ranges from a blend of traditional to Americana, with a dash of old time, and spiced with a captivating mix of unique, original songs. Known for their on stage chemistry, amplified by the fun and strong connections they share with their audience makes a Moonshiners show an experience not to be missed!

The Tussey Mountain Moonshiners won the 2010 DelFest Bluegrass Band Competition, and Bluegrass Unlimited said, in reviewing their debut album, I’m Going Home, “… the Tussey Mountain Moonshiners exude rich talent, enthusiasm, energy, and a wide knowledge of string music… Every single cut proves enjoyable ... With admirably equal skill, authenticity, and enthusiasm, the Tussey Mountain Moonshiners ... move from bluegrass to old-time to folk/Americana.” In their review of the Moonshiners' most recent album, Shine, Bluegrass Unlimited said, "Everybody sings and contributes original material. You can’t say these guys don’t have a sense of humor in the way they approach their music. It definitely sounds like a fun time is being had by all... Check out this band if you enjoy rambunctious, moonshine-themed humor and a foray into some new original bluegrass songs. If you go see them live, they may even come up with a nickname for you, too!"

To see a great video of a performance at Pine Grove Hall, CLICK HERE.

We hope you'll be able to join us to give them a big Moonstock welcome.

About the Musicians (Bios from their website)

Stephen Buckalew

was born with a fiddle in his hands.... which made childbirth very uncomfortable for his poor mother! Throughout his life, he also picked up the guitar and mandolin, bringing the same Buckalew magic to those instruments as well. Add his vocals to the mix and it's easy to see why he's the musical leader of the Moonshiners. Stephen has played many types of music in many bands over the years, and that diversity clearly shows up in Moonshiner music. Stephen grew up on Tussey Mountain, and he still lives practically right beside it. He loves the Central PA area, and so it was perfectly fitting to call the band Tussey Mountain Moonshiners.

Gwen Stimely

first started playing the banjo after seeing Bill Monroe years ago, but she was afraid to let anybody hear her. We’re so glad that she was having fun and didn’t give up, and eventually overcame that fear. Her unique playing style and wonderful vocals, along with her songwriting talent, are huge contributors to the Tussey Mountain Moonshiner’s success.

Bill Stetz

has added his expressive bass playing (both upright and electric) to a wide variety of ensembles in the central PA region for over 30 years. While based in State College, PA he performed and/or recorded with Queen Bee and the Blue Hornet Band, AAA Blues Band, Arthur Goldstein Jazz Quartet and the Andy Tolins Bluegrass Revue along with a number of singer-songwriters including Kris Kehr.

Relocating to the Susquehanna Valley region 15 years ago, he has played jazz with pianist Steve Adams and drummer Phil Haynes, and with the trio Burgess, Stetz and James. Bill has also played rock and blues with the Ann Kerstetter Band, and most recently, bluegrass with the Tussey Mountain Moonshiners.

Steve Crawford

was born and raised in that hotbed of bluegrass, suburban Philadelphia. In seventh grade he began playing bass, then guitar, in his father's band. Together with their friend George they formed the nucleus of a number of bands such as The Sounds of Bluegrass, The Haycock Mountain Rainbow Chasers, and the seminal Northeast Extension. In the years since Steve has played his original songs in honkytonks and barrooms from Anchorage to Austin, Boulder to Belgrade. He now lives in State College with his wife and two daughters, fine singers all.

Jeremy Tosten

is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist leading and siding in a number of central Pennsylvania bands over the past 15 years. Influenced by gospel and blues roots, Jeremy brings a spirited and improvisational style to the band complementing the Moonshiners' original songs and arrangements.

Marc Prave (Emeritus)

Though no longer a full time Moonshiner, Marc "Lumber City Slim" still finds his way back to the stage to join the Moonshiners when he can. Marc is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter who has played a wide variety of music in multiple bands. When he isn't busy working, you can find him playing music, working as a Luthier (building and repairing instruments), or brewing beer and drinking it.

Up Next: Friday, July 18 - Honey Pie!

Tussey Mountain Moonshiners - Sunday, July 27