Home
January 2009
Bluegrass: The Wild Turkeys at Union Street, Traverse City

Bluegrass: The Wild Turkeys at Union Street, Traverse City

A band of energized Canadian brothers hits Traverse City for a bluegrass concert this Sunday.

Jan 7, 2009

Street Station's 'Early Show' concert series is delighted to kick off the 2009 season with a 'Swamp Stomp Country" performance by the Canadian quintet, The Wild Turkeys. The show is smoke-free and is set for Sunday afternoon Jan 11th, 2009 at 5 p.m. at Union Street Station. This gifted quintet features two sets of brothers. The first set consists of Sheldon Jääskeläinen - (Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Fiddle), brother Byron Jääskeläinen - (Fiddle, Vocals),and brother Marshall Jääskeläinen - (Mandolin, Vocals) and the other set of brothers consists of Devin Alexander - (Bass Guitar, Vocals, Washboard) and Vaughn Alexander - (suitcase and dresser drawer percussive contraption, vocals).

This band of brothers draws their musical influences from Washboard Hank, Fred Eaglesmith, The United Steel Workers of Montreal, D. Rangers, Romi Mayes, Dan Walsh, The Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir, Bill Monroe , Creaking Tree String Quartet, Hank Williams Sr., Hank Williams III, The County Boys, Red Grass, The Fugitives and The Hackensaw Boys (who wowed a sold out audience at Union Street a few years ago).

Hailing from the cold, rural area of northern Ontario, comes this sizzling hot new band of pickin' and grinnin' cowboys. The Wild Turkeys fun stage presence and energetic sound has recently been coined as “Swamp Stomp Country”. Armed with fiddles, mandolin, guitar, bass, harmonica, a suitcase and tin can percussive contraption, and luscious four part harmonies, the Turkeys win over the hearts and ears of audiences everywhere.

This gang of brothers first came together as a band in the winter months of 2006 and quickly formed a stronghold in the Sault Ste. Marie Algoma region. Now touring frequently, the Turkeys follow a busy schedual of playing festival dates, house concerts and small venues.

Over the past two years the The Wild Turkeys have shared the stage with artists such as The Cowboy Junkies, Prairie Oyster, Creaking Tree String Quartet and Washboard Hank. They blend masterful classical technique with a youthful and vibrant approach to old time country. In April 2007, they released their first independantly funded, original album entitled “Unplucked”, which gained nominations from the Northern Ontario Music and Film Awars (MFM) for “Best Album” and “Best Songwritter”. In April 2008, they successfully released their second, full length album, “Suspendered”.

The Wild Turkeys are bringing their unique brand of “Swamp Stomp Country” to national and international audiences. ".......The Wild Turkeys have proved themselves worthy of a place next to my Johnny Cash and Hank Williams recordings, while not taking anything too seriously....." Donna Hopper, Editor of Arts & Entertainment, SooToday.com.

Union Street Station's Early Show concert series is delighted to be hosting a afternoon performance by The Wild Turkeys. With their unique brand of "Swamp-Stomp Country" music, Union Street will be awash with some foot-stomping, turkey trotting, good fun. The performance is set for Sunday afternoon January 11th, 2009 at 5 p.m. at Union Street Station. Tickets for this smoke-free concert are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Tickets are available at Union Street Station, Oryana Food Cooperative and Eurostop Cafe.

For tickets or more information call: 231-941-1930