Mojo Pie
Mojo Pie is Susan Munson and Frank Bechter on acoustic guitar and bass, playing their fun filled originals and eclectic covers. Their voices meld in rich harmony and they’ll have you singing along with them! They also perform as a trio with Rusty Speidel and as a 4 piece band by adding Jim Ralston on drums to the mix.
Mojo Pie was created when Susan Munson invited Frank Bechter to a songwriters’ workshop, and they’ve been bringing harmonies to wineries, restaurants, and events in Central Virginia ever since. Both have been featured artists in Charlottesville’s First Night Virginia and Jason Burke’s Six-Pack Songwriter Series. Susan also rocks many a stage with Mama Tried and Alligator as does Frank with Bobblehead and Her Checkered Past.
Mama Tried
Mama Tried is a 5-piece band from Charlottesville, Va., with Susan Munson on guitar and vocals, Charlie Pastorfield on guitar and vocals, Stuart Holme on bass, Kent Raine on drums, and Sam Johnston on keys, vocals and harmonica. These five play high-energy versions of early Grateful Dead songs, plus their own impressive material, with a heavy accent on improvisation.
Even though their name is taken from a Merle Haggard tune, they are definitely a “jam band,” with the ability to go out exploring while remaining cohesive, then get back smoothly to the original song, and make it all sound good. Members in Mama Tried also perform with some of Charlottesville’s favorite bands, including Alligator, Mojo Pie, The Cows, and the Skip Castro Band. These seasoned musicians will not disappoint!
Alligator
Alligator is an All-Star Charlottesville band playing early vintage Grateful Dead focusing on the energy, instrumental interplay, and experimentation of the early days of one of the 20th century’s most unique bands.
Aaron Evans: Guitar – Indecision / Second Draw
Charlie Pastorfield: Guitar & Vocals – Skip Castro Band / Gladstones / Mama Tried
Craig Dougald: Drums – Indecision / Second Draw
Kent Raine: Drums – Echoes Farm / Duke Merrick Band / Mama Tried
Shep Williams: Keys – Cactus Liquors
Stephen Barling: Guitar and Vocals – The Cows / BC
Stuart Holme: Bass – The Cows / Overdog / Mama Tried
Susan Munson: Vocals – Mojo Pie / Jeebus / Mama Tried