Homegrown String Band Bio

A Postmodern Neo-Traditional Old-Time Family String Band

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Photo by Steve Gravano
The Family That Plays Together

The Homegrown String Band is a “100% Natural Organically Grown” band, homegrown by Georgianne and Rick Jackofsky and their two daughters, Erica and Annalee. This “family that plays together” has been performing around the country, from the National Theatre in Washington, DC, to the Festival of American Music and Crafts in Branson, Missouri, since 1997. Inspired by the rural string bands of the early 20th century, this 21st century incarnation of the traditional family band utilizes unique instrumentation including guitar, banjo, fiddle, dulcimer, mandolin, banjo-ukulele, harmonica, jawharp, doumbek, and percussive dance to put their own stamp on a repertoire drawn from the classics of rural American music. The tradition of American roots music is a tradition of change and the Homegrown String Band is carrying on that American tradition by using the tools at hand and borrowing from various musical genres to create something new and unique. Their original music has been lauded as “heartfelt, original, insightful, and impressive” by major music publications Sing Out!, and Dirty Linen, as well as Grammy nominated author Bill Dahl. Homegrown String Band stage shows have been voted audience favorite at festivals around the country.

The "Homies" become honorary members of the Carter Family!
New Carter Family!

The Homegrown String Band with Carlene Carter - August 8, 2009
Read about it on The Homegrown String Band's Blogspot

What People are Saying about the Homegrown String Band:

"Their devotion to their craft and way of life is obvious, this family is breathing fresh life into the American folk tradition at a time
when our nations roots are so often forgotten" -Sarah Craig, Manager, Caffe Lena

"A highly enjoyable recording by a real family band . . . the Homegrown String Band has a true fiddle powerhouse with daughter
Erica" -Tom Druckenmiller, Sing Out! magazine

"The spirit of the Carter Family is alive and well in this Rocky Point NY quartet" - Brian Fostervold, "Shout Brother Shout," WXCI

The Homegrown String Band has institutionalized the performance, creation and support of America's traditional musics. A family
band, the tightness born of DNA is razor's edge and the musicianship is of the caliber of virtuosity" -Dr. Blues, LI Blues Society

"It's hard to describe their music, Old time, string band, not bluegrass exactly, more Carter Family . . . a musicoligist could tell you
a lot about it and the history of rural America it reflects" - Paul Vitello, Newsday

"There's something special about the music a family creates together. The harmonies, the timing, the spirit breathe as one. And so
it is with the Homegrown String Band . . . whether you classify their sound as Americana, bluegrass, folk, or old-time country . . .
they are not only dedicated to keeping a classic tradition alive, they are advancing it . . . testifying to the power and joy of music
made by a real family band. -Bill Dahl, author, Motown: The Golden Years