Foghorn String Band
Old-Time (Contemporary)
Foghorn Stringband is widely regarded as the most influential old-time string band of the 21st century — a Pacific Northwest quartet whose “punk-energy-meets-Appalachian-tradition” aesthetic has shaped a whole generation of younger old-time players. Their dedication to source recordings, one-microphone live performance style, and ferocious touring schedule have made them as revered in old-time circles as their bluegrass peers are on the festival main stage.
- Founding members met at the National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest in Weiser, Idaho in 2000. Originally called Foghorn Leghorn, the lineup was Stephen “Sammy” Lind (fiddle, vocals), the Reverend P.T. Grover Jr. (banjo), Caleb Klauder (mandolin, vocals), and Brian Bagdonas (bass). Rhythm guitarist Kevin Sandri joined shortly after, replacing early guitarist Jesse Withers.
- Changed name to Foghorn Stringband in September 2002. Debut Rattlesnake Tidal Wave (self-released on their Foghorn Music label, November 2002).
- Reap What You Sow (August 2004) followed; Weiser Sunrise (Nettwerk America, August 2005) was their first and only major-label release. Boombox Squaredance (2007) compiled outtakes.
- During 2008–2009 Lind and Klauder toured as Foghorn Duo and released Lonesome Song.
- 2009–2011 lineup: Lind, Klauder, Patrick Lind (rhythm guitar, vocals), Peter Leone (banjo), Nadine Landry (bass). Sub-group The Foghorn Trio (Lind, Klauder, Landry) released Sud de la Louisiane (October 2011).
- Current lineup since winter 2011: Sammy Lind (fiddle, banjo, vocals), Caleb Klauder (mandolin, fiddle, vocals), Nadine Landry (bass, vocals — from the Gaspé Coast of Eastern Québec), and Reeb Willms (rhythm guitar, vocals — from farming country east of the Cascades in Washington).
- Current-lineup albums: Outshine the Sun (September 2012), Devil in the Seat (January 2015, reissued on Different Folk 2016), and Rock Island Grange (September 2018).
- Klauder and Willms additionally record and tour with the Caleb Klauder Reeb Willms Country Band (honky-tonk country) — Dangerous Mes and Poisonous Yous, Western Country, Innocent Road, and Gold in Your Pocket (Free Dirt).
- Klauder is also a member of Jesse Lége, Joel Savoy & the Cajun Country Revival, extending the band's roots reach into Louisiana Cajun tradition.
- International touring has included the Shetland Folk Festival, Orkney Folk Festival, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, and Malaysia. The band performs around a single microphone, balancing the mix on the fly.
- Known for their obsessive engagement with source recordings of old-time fiddlers, banjoists, and singers — a commitment to the tradition that coexists with their punk-influenced energy and honky-tonk side pursuits.
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Ain't Got TimeRock Island Grange (2018)
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Fall on My KneesReap What You Sow (2004)
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Reuben's TrainRock Island Grange (2018)
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Sow 'Em on the MountainReap What You Sow (2004)
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Lost GirlRattlesnake Tidal Wave (2002)
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Caleb KlauderPlayed on recordings with Foghorn String Band
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Sammy LindPlayed on recordings with Foghorn String Band
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Nadine LandryPlayed on recordings with Foghorn String Band
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Reeb WillmsPlayed on recordings with Foghorn String Band
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Brian BagdonasPlayed on recordings with Foghorn String Band
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Kevin SandriPlayed on recordings with Foghorn String Band
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P.T. Grover Jr.Played on recordings with Foghorn String Band