The Sweetgrass Band nominated for bluegrass award

Core members of The Sweetgrass Band:  Ginny Mcilmoyle, Chief JimBob Marsden and Al Kirby.
Core members of The Sweetgrass Band: Ginny Mcilmoyle, Chief JimBob Marsden and Al Kirby.

By Marci Becking

ALDERVILLE FN – Chief JimBob Marsden’s bluegrass band has been nominated for “Promising Group for 2014” by the Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards.

Marsden’s group – The Sweetgrass Band – has been together for six years and Chief Marsden says that the band will also be playing at the awards.

“We will be playing at awards that will be at the Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville on November 22,” says Marsden.  “We will have played at least 20 shows by the end of this year and already have four shows booked for 2015.”

The Sweetgrass Band consists of JimBob Marsden on bass and vocals, Al Kirby on Banjo, Ginny Mcilmoyle on guitar and vocals  and new members Mike Del Mastro on mandolin and vocals and Lorne Leane on dobro, guitar and vocals.

“Ginny was nominated last year for Best Female Vocalist,” says Marsden who has been playing in bands since he was a youngster.

In the early years during the 60s and 70s, Marsden played Soul, Rhythm & Blues and Classic Rock. Growing up his family always played music and his father taught him to strum along to Five Foot Two, Bill Bailey, Just Molly and Me and so many other classics of that era. He found his roots in Country music during the 80’s. In 2009 he brought together a group of friends for a gig and they have been together ever since.

The Sweetgrass Band’s second and latest CD, “An Autumn Evening in Keene Village” is now available from any band member.  For Bookings please contact Jim Bob at 905 352 2423 or 905 375 5331 or send them a note at www.sweetgrasser.com.