MOUNTAIN MOON COFFEEHOUSE FEATURES TWO TOE TAPPIN’ ACTS

WHEELING, W.Va. (January 25, 2010)- -Oglebay Institute continues its popular bluegrass music series Mountain Moon Coffeehouse with two toe tappin’ bands – The Marsh Wheeling String Band and The Elk Creek Family Band at 8 p.m. Saturday, February 6 at the Stifel Fine Arts Center, 1330 National Road, Wheeling.

The Marsh Wheeling String Band has been transporting its fans to a simpler era since 2005. This Wheeling-based quintet has lent its high-energy, old time sound to venues such as West Liberty University Day and Oglebayfest, and their enthusiastic fan base reliably packs the dance floor when the fiddle bow starts flying. The MWSB features Carter Kenamond on banjo, Melissa Potter on fiddle, Chris Wack on guitar, Justin Kiger on bass, and Paul Redilla on mandolin.

The Haizlett family of Bethany, WV has performed music as the Elk Creek Family Band for more than 15 years. They have performed at fairs and music festivals throughout Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and West Virginia. In recent years the three older children have grown up and moved on to college and work. It is now time for the two of the middle children, Rosalie, age 15, and Clara, age 11, to take a more significant role in the band. The February 6 show will feature the vocals of the two girls with songs by artists such as Gillian Welch, Emmy Lou Harris and Norah Jones. The will also perform several original Elk Creek tunes.

“This is a different sound for us,” father Jim Haizlett said. “We used to play a lot of louder, faster tunes with mandolin, banjo and dobro, but Rosalie and Clara have selected a range of quieter songs.”

He added that the style of the band used to gravitate more toward an old-time sound, but the younger daughters are interested in singing more contemporary music, so the band is adapting to their interests.

“This is going to be a truly entertaining evening,” Bob Heyer, Mountain Moon Coffeehouse coordinator said, “ The show will open with the soft, sweet sounds of The Elk Creek Family Band, and then Marsh Wheeling will bring the house down with a high-energy performance.”

Mountain Moon Coffeehouse is one of Oglebay Institute's most successful musical programs and features traditional mountain music, folk tunes, acoustic performances and great vocalists. Fiddles, mandolins, banjos and toe-tappin' fun are all part of the Mountain Moon tradition.

Six shows are presented every year, and the music is appealing to all ages. Homemade refreshments are available for purchase at all performances. Proceeds from the program benefit the environmental education programs of Oglebay Institute.

Other upcoming Mountain Moon Coffeehouse performances include Zeke Hutchinson and Tom Hampton March 6 and Wills Creek Bluegrass Band April 3.

Admission for individual concerts is $7/ $5.50 for members and $5 per person for groups of 10 or more. Advanced reservations are recommended due to limited seating. Call 304.242.6855.