Singer-songwriter Jay Votel (guitar, harmonica, mandolin) and Barry Bryan (bass) together bring their collective lifetimes of musical
experience to the stage, a synergy in performance that has deep roots in the American and British pop and folk music that helped to shape their upbringing. The duo is based in the Potomac Valley: Jay lives
in suburban Sterling, Va.; Barry in historic Harpers Ferry, W.Va.
Welcome to our corner of the Internet. Enjoy.
NEW in 2008: Introducing NEW MEMBERS to Allegheny
Uprising:
They
are so energetic and talented and they've really infused us with a lot of
spirit.
Please
meet: Nick Kinney
Nick Kinney started playing the banjo
after realizing he was finger-picking rolls on his guitar. After vamping
through his first six months of jam sessions, he started to play lead
breaks and improvise. Nick's playing is influenced most by his knowledge
of fiddle tunes and old time music, but also enjoys the hard driving
sound of Scruggs, Reno and Stanley. Nick is a graduate of the University
of Virginia with a degree in biology and enjoys playing postal chess.
Nick lives in Hamilton, Va.
Please
meet: Melissa Wright
Allegheny
Uprising is fortunate to be joined this spring by Melissa Wright of Round
Hill, Va., a gifted singer, songwriter, musician and performer.
Here's how Melissa describes herself:
"I'm 17 and a senior at Loudoun Valley High School. There, I play
lead trombone in wind ensemble and sing and play bass trombone in jazz
band. I've been first chair bass trombone in the district for 2
years, gone to all state auditions, a member JMU's Youth Honors Brass
Band, and also first chair bass trombone in All District Jazz. Also
named as one of the District's Jazz All-Stars last year.
I've been playing "professionally" for two years in my band "The Acoustic
Burgoo." We've been fortunate enough to have a really good start,
playing at places like The Bluemont Fair, Watermelon Park Fest, Round
Hill's Last Night, as well as plenty of restaurants and coffee shops
around the area.
I started playing autoharp 2 years ago, then picked up the guitar about 8
months ago. I just started playing mandolin in January. I've
been writing songs for as long as I can remember. I love all music.
I'm really into Bob Dylan as far as songwriting, but singing wise, I'm
really influenced by old blues and jazz singers like Bessie Smith, Billie
Holiday, and Etta James.
Other than music, I love being outside: hiking, rock climbing,
snowboarding, and riding horses (I have two). I'm hoping to study
songwriting at Berklee College of Music in Boston next year."
Links: to Melissa's MySpace page
(www.myspace.com/melissaewright)
and one for the Burgoo's page (www.myspace.com/theacousticburgoo)
EXCITING SCHEDULE NOTE: This winter and spring, Allegheny
Uprising will be performing at Beans In the Belfrey in Brunswick,
Maryland, on every second and fourth Wednesday from 7 - 9 p.m.
Please check our Schedule for details
and come out to see us.
Click on button below for bio information about each band member:
