Burnt Mills Highballers
Burnt Mills Highballers | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Milford, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Genres | Old-time, Bluegrass, Appalachian folk |
| Years active | 2021 - Present |
| Website | burntmillshighballers.neocities.org |
'Burnt Mills Highballers is an American old-time string band based in Milford, New Jersey’. The group is known for its energetic performances, extensive repertoire of Appalachian fiddle tunes and some bluegrass standards, and dedication to traditional string band music. They perform regularly throughout the Delaware River Valley and are active in the regional bluegrass and old-time music scene.
Band Members
The Burnt Mills Highballers feature a rotating lineup of musicians, with members playing various traditional string band instruments. Their lineup typically includes:
- Michael Haller – fiddle
- Tom Malle – clawhammer banjo
- Lucas Pick – mandolin
- Sally Sam Heller – guitar
- Caitlin Pyne – banjo ukulele/bass
- Rich Kiley – guitar
- Russ Gotlieb – 3 finger banjo
- Dave Brumberg – bass fiddle
Other occasional members:
- Susan Donoghue – fiddle
- Charlie Piccione – fiddle
- Uncle Pete Taney – square dance caller
History
The Burnt Mills Highballers formed after its members met at the Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association (AFBA) Festival, where they gathered at campsite jams driven by a shared passion for old-time music. The band developed organically through their collective spirit and love for traditional tunes rather than through formal recruitment.
Musical Style and Performances
The Highballers play a mix of old-time fiddle tunes, bluegrass, and traditional Appalachian music, featuring fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, bass fiddle, and banjo ukulele’. Their high-energy performances are known for encouraging flatfooting and square dancing’.
The band is deeply rooted in the Delaware River Valley music community, performing weekly at their Friday night residency at the Milford House and hosting bi-monthly square dances in Milford. They have also performed at the West Philly Square Dance and are regulars at regional music gatherings, including:
- Wind Gap Bluegrass Festival
- Brandywine Revival
- Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
- Clifftop Appalachian String Band Festival
- Howell Living Farm Fiddle Contest
- Pocono Bluegrass & Folk Society and AFBA events
Recordings
Despite focusing primarily on live performance, the Highballers have completed two notable recording sessions:
- A wax cylinder recording at Thomas Edison National Historical Park, reflecting their commitment to historical recording techniques.
- A live session on 89.7 FM WDVR, a New Jersey-based community radio station known for its bluegrass and folk programming.
- A live recording from a Square Dance on March 1, 2025, at Riegel Ridge Community Center in Holland Township, NJ.
Repertoire and Influence
The band’s repertoire consists of hundreds of traditional songs, many of which were learned directly from fellow musicians and bands at festivals and jams. Their music reflects the enduring oral tradition of Appalachian and old-time music, passed down through generations.
References
External Links
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