Live Wire! live concert

Old Time, Gospel, and Traditional songs

Live Wire! players have decades performing throughout the Midwest on fiddle, banjo, mandolin and bass. Experience an engaging exploration of traditional string band instruments with tunes that often reach back centuries. Enjoy lively music that makes feet want to move in this all-ages program!

Live Wire! songs are carefully chosen to embody the old time style, and the group's harmonies harken back to the roots of American music. Gail Goeke anchors the group on bass; Carl Cook and Steve Goeke switch freely from fiddle to mandolin and from banjo to guitar, varying the combinations of sound and voice. 

Carl studied viola as a youth and moved to ensembles and orchestras in college; he now teaches a wide variety of stringed instrument students mostly using the Suzuki Method. While viola is his instrument of classical focus, his excellent fiddling is a point where traditional meets the classical and the depth, clarity and wonder of old time tunes shines through - a spectacular fiddler with a violinist's training.
 
Gail has been playing bass in ensemble settings for over 40 years.  She is currently a student of renowned bassist, Joey Panella in Kansas City.  The veteran of several working ensembles, over the years she's developed a strong style that holds the group together. 
 
Steve first heard banjo on the Andy Griffith Show as a child.  It took a few decades to find an instrument, learn the style and put on the polish.  He has also played in several ensembles - most notably, a 12 year stint with The Alferd Packer Memorial Stringband of Lawrence, KS and a similar stretch of time as one half of the Quasi Brothers.  Steve claims to be a banjo player - with the bona fides to prove it but also plays guitar and mandolin.

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