The Virginia Creepers have been playing Appalachian old-time stringband music since 1991. The original members, Steve Huestis (banjo), Rick Olcott (guitar) and Peter White (fiddle) met at a jam sponsored by the New Mexico Folk Music and Dance Society (NM FolkMADS) and were later joined by Scott Mathis (mandolin, guitarron), Laurie Phillips (mandolin) in 1999, and Bruce Thomson (fiddle). Peter and Bruce were pulled away by the hazards of real life over the years, and in 2010 Jane Phillips (fiddle) started playing with the boys. Don't worry, for her own safety she wears a special protective suit when in the Creeper Clubhouse.
Over the years, the Creepers have had more bass players than Spinal Tap had drummers, even occasionally drafting family members. In 2014 they were able to convince Marc Robert to join them on bass and banjo. We're hoping to keep him for a long time. In 2019 we went back to the double-fiddle sound with the addition of Michel Robert. You can read about the current band members over on the "who do they think they are" bio page.
The "Creeps," as they are affectionately known, come from a wide variety of musical backgrounds, but all have found a niche playing the original country music of Appalachia, spanning roughly the period from just before the Civil War to the 1920's.
A few historical photos may be found below. |
The Virginia Creepers, June, 2006.
Back row, left to right: Steve Huestis, Rick Olcott, Scott Mathis, Bruce Thomson.
Front row, l-r: Peter White, Laurie Phillips. |
"Old" O'Neill's Pub
Waterloo Ice House, Austin TX, with Alaska Big Ernie, 2002
With Lynette LaBurqueña at the 2013 New Mexico Cup Invitational Beer and Wine Competition
ABQ Convention Center |
