Two weeks ago I hyped the Voetberg Family Band, an octet of fiddlin’ siblins’ from Washington State. The family’s performance last night at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria at the Central Library was not to be missed by bluegrass/folk/Celtic/Christian hymnal music fans.
The two elder Voetbergs have professional chops right now (the eldest, Liddy, has released a solo album), but the rest of the group are right behind them — right down to 8 year old Rudy, who is a fiddle champ. Mama Voetberg (I don’t know if they call her that) sang a few beautiful tunes with the kids, and Papa handled the soundboard. The kids played a great set of bluegrass and Christian standards along with some original tunes. The fiddle was heavily represented, but 19-year old Elisha strums the guitar and mandolin and 13-year old Dieter hangs on the side and plucks an electric bass.
It’s a neat crowd that attends a show like this at the library. Lots of big families and library fans young and old alike. My kids were inspired by a Western Swing tune (one of my top 5 favorite musical sub-genres) and started a dance floor.
I realize I have made my bed of snark and now I’ve got to lie in it with every post, but I wish to cast no snark on this wholesome band of budding fiddle pros. Drive on up to Redding and catch their show at St. James Lutheran Church at 4:00 PM on Sunday. Or, the rumor mill says they will have some additional shows in the Bay Area next week.
The Sac Rag 
Reminds me of “Daddy Sang Bass” lyrics Johnny Cash (Carl Perkins). Cool.
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