About Us

Muddy River String Band plays an eclectic mix of Americana. From folk to blues, bluegrass to old-time, we play what we like. Our unusual instrumentation includes the hammered dulcimer and the 'cello. Our music is bright and energetic, with the occasional moody tune.

We are available for special events, parties, weddings, and reunions. For booking contact us at MuddyRiverSB@gmail.com
or call Art Garcia at (505) 553-0616

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Ben Chavez, banjo; Art Garcia, Mandolin; Lynda Garcia, Bass; Diane Prior, Hammered Dulcimer; Ben Prior, 'Cello

June 21, 2008

Our performance at the 2008 Albuquerque Folk Festival was awesome – or so we were told! We were really clicking and having a great time on stage, and it must have spilled over onto our audience because they had a great time, too! They were tapping their feet, clapping their hands, and laughing right along with us -- at all the right times, too, which is sort of important if you think about it. Our new song selection was a big hit. The audience especially enjoyed No More Tortillas and our version of the Russian classic Katyusha. Ben Chavez did a great job singing Annabelle and Wagon Wheel and, of course, Diane Prior rocked on Little Sadie and Come into my Kitchen which was great, as usual. Here’s one of our secrets: we almost never practice this song anymore because it just never sounds as good as when we’re performing it!

Congratulations to 10-year old Gwen Prior for wining the fiddle contest (0-12 year old category). She performed Red-Haired Boy and Soldier’s Joy with her proud daddy Ben Prior accompanying her on ‘cello. Her prize was a ton of money (for her, that is) and the chance to perform one of the songs on the main stage. You rock, Gwen!

We are looking forward to the upcoming festivals including Wildlife West, the 34^th Santa Fe Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival, and the Corrales Harvest Festival in August. See you there!

Albums

Our first album, Cactus Jam is now available. You can find it at CD Baby, or at Apple Mountain Music in Albuquerque.

Read about the making of Cactus Jam here...