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This "100% Natural Organically Grown"
band, which was literally homegrown, consists of 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 at Silver Dollar City in
Branson, Missouri, since 1997. During this time they have released
four CDs and shared their music with hundreds of concert audiences
throughout the US, taking listeners on "a rollicking ride
through the sounds of American music." 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, including blues, bluegrass, country, and folk. Their original
music has been lauded as "heartfelt, original, and impressive"
by major music publications Sing Out! and Dirty Linen,
and music critic and author Bill Dahl. Homegrown String Band stage
shows have been voted audience favorite at festivals around the
country including the Appalachian Fiddle and Bluegrass Association
Bluegrass Festival at Wind Gap, Pennsylvania.
"A Real Family Band" -- Sing Out! magazine "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 nation's roots are so often forgotten." Sarah Craig, Manager, Caffè Lena
"A highly enjoyable recording by a real family band." TD, Sing Out! magazine, Rock Hollow CD review, fall 2004
"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. From the Appalachian hollows to the rolling cotton of the rural South to West Texas vistas, the landscapes of our indigenous musics are explored and conserved. 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, Appalachian, string band, not bluegrass exactly, more Carter Family . . . a musicologist could tell you a lot about it and the history of rural America it reflects." Paul Vitello, Newsday
"A talented and unique family. The Homegrown String Band represents all that is good with "Ole Time" music today. The simple joy of a family making music together makes you wish you could be one of them. Once again ranking as one of the most requested bands on the A.F.B.A.'s festival questionnaire." EW, Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association
"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're advancing it . . . testifying to the power and joy of music made by a real family band. Bill Dahl, author, Motown: The Golden Years
"The Homegrown String Band has a true fiddle powerhouse with daughter Erica." TD, Sing Out! magazine, fall 2002
"One of the most refreshing, invigorating, and lively shows I've seen in a while . . . a real American music experience." Suzanne Johnson, Asst. Dir., Longwood Library
"This nuclear family radiates fun." Roosterick
"An incredible old time string band!" Little Toby Walker
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are available at live performances or by mail: 1 CD $15 2 CDs $25 3 CDs $35 additional CDs $10 each
The Homegrown String Band is available to present fiddle/banjo and Appalachian flatfoot dance workshops at festivals or in tandem with a concert performance. We have facilitated workshops at the Long Island Traditional Music Asssociation's Old Time Fiddle Festival in Smithtown NY, The Northern Music and Dance Festival in Newtown CT, the Record Family Bluegrass Festival in S. Paris ME, and at the Appalachian Fiddle and Bluegrass Association's Bluegrass Festival in Wind Gap PA.
The Homegrown String Band has been presenting programs at schools in Suffolk County since 1993. Homegrown String Band school programs are available through the BOCES Arts-in-Education program and meet NYS educational standards. School programs deal with the history of American folk music. Topics covered include the oral tradition, improvisation, and the multicultural influences of the music, as well as a brief history of the various instruments used by the band. Presentations are available in classroom or assembly format and can be tailored to fit into specific themes or periods of American history.