For over ten years, The Jugbusters have been bringing their own unique variety of old-time country music to the New River Valley and beyond. Steeped in tradition but not imprisoned by it, the band refuses to conform to the status quo of what you might expect a square dance band to sound like. They plumb the depths of American musical history and bring back a surprising variety of dance tunes from days gone by. Whether blending vocal harmonies on classic country two-steps or setting fire to a dance floor with hard-driving fiddle tunes, The Jugbusters are sure to please both the young and the young at heart. The rhythms are infectious and the sound is big, weighing in at a hefty six or seven pieces (depending on whether you catch their traditional or their honky-tonk incarnation): with Bill Richardson on fiddle, Russ Boyd on banjo, Nicholas Polys on guitar, Casey Elder on mandolin, Liam Kelly on second guitar, Chris Printz on upright bass, and Ken Convery on drums.

Hailing from Blacksburg, Virginia, The Jugbusters can be found igniting crowds at barn dances, bars, private parties and festivals across the central Appalachian mountains.

Bill Richardson has studied the fiddle styles of southwest Virginia like few others. Also a veteran songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and square dance caller, Bill is a force to be reckoned with whether playing traditional Appalachian fiddle tunes or singing original honky-tonk country songs.  Bill is the rare type of musician who doesn’t let his deep knowledge and respect for tradition keep him from exploring new sounds and new directions.

On banjo is Russ Boyd who fortunately landed in Blacksburg, Virginia a little more than a decade ago, where he discovered clawhammer banjo at the Mt. Airy Fiddler’s Convention. Through the generosity of many New River Valley oldtime musicians, Russ was exposed to the rich repertoire of mountain music. Currently, Russ plays attack thrash banjo to breakneck fiddle tunes while offering a lighter melodic touch on waltzes, and 2-steps. Russ is a stalwart around the Floyd Country Store and enjoys playing at local fiddler’s conventions. Russ says, “Nothing like a good old foot stompin’ banjo bangin’ to get your blood pumping.”

Nicholas Polys does a fantastic job holding down the rhythm. Nicholas has a unique style that really sets him apart from other more traditional guitar players. He really adds a special sound which contributes heavily to the “Jugbuster” sound. He consistently bounces around to the music, never standing still for second, and never stops smiling. He sings lead on several songs and is always there for some fun back up vocals.

Liam Kelly is an all around performer. He is capable of playing several instruments well. He generally plays rhythm guitar and sings lead and back up with the Jugbusters, though he fills in on Bass, Banjo, Mandolin, and even fiddle when necessary. He often plays electric guitar or drums for us when we play at non traditional events. We are very fortunate to have such a well rounded individual in the band.

On bass we have Chris Printz.  Orginally from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Chris came to the New River Valley some years ago and never got around to leaving.  Also a skilled multi-instrumentalist, Chris took to the upright bass like a thirsty fish to water, and is nearly unrivaled in both power and versatility.  Whether thundering on driving fiddle tunes or walking the bass all over two-step and swing tunes, Chris has rhythms sure to make you move.

Ken Convery plays with us every other Thursday at the Cellar in Blacksburg. He plays a small drum kit and fills out the rhythm nicely. He puts in nice shuffles for those swing dancers.

The Jugbusters are a pleasant mix of experienced and young musicians who tend to please on lookers and dancers alike, particularly flat footers, and 2-steppers, every where they go. We look forward to continued performances at dances, and festivals throughout the area and the years to come.