Skeeterland Band to launch new CD this weekend
Among Pine Island’s favorite bands, the Skeeterland Band is set to release its first recording Saturday, Nov. 29. All are invited to get a sample of the bluegrass music found on the CD, titled “Scratchin’ the Itch,” at Woody’s Waterside in St. James City from 2 to 5 p.m.
According to Doug Ibbetson, the new recording is the band’s first and was produced in response to a growing demand by its audiences. The CD highlights the distinctive style and harmonies produced by this unique group of musicians.
Among the selections on the CD are some of the band’s standards, including “Lifeboat,” “West Virginia” and “Long Gone,” which are mixed with other tunes like “Black Mountain Rag” and “Cherokee Shuffle,” which feature St. James City resident Pat Olkowski on the fiddle. Other performances on the CD come from Sylvia Medina, noted yodeler, accompanied by lead guitarist Pete Popravak. Rounding out the group are Doug Ibbetson on the banjo and Rick Barba on the acoustic bass.
Stretching its wings, the Skeeterland Band continues to be a staple at many island venues, including numerous restaurants, clubs and private parties for the last two years, but recently the band has taken its act on the road as well. Skeeterland Band has become in great demand throughout Southwest Florida and now appears regularly at Craklin’ Jack’s Restaurant in Naples and special events such as MangoMania, the LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival, the Pine Island VFW Tuesday Bluegrass Concert Series, Palmgrass Festival and at the Ronald McDonald House Rodeo.
“We still consider Pine Island as our musical home,” said Ibbetson. “We played our first gig here at Jackie’s Seafood Fest and have found terrific support from the islanders. The old Double Nichol Pub invited us to do our first weekly performance. Now Woody’s Waterside has us every other Thursday. What more could a band ask for? That’s why we chose Woody’s to celebrate this big event. They have been great!”
The Skeeterland Band is an acoustic string band of five talented musicians who were drawn together by the mutual love of bluegrass music.
While hailing originally for all parts of the globe in places like Illinois, California, Connecticut, Cuba and Alaska, eventually all of the band members found their way to the Pine Island area where they began meeting at various informal jam sessions. As a result, a friendship grew and the band was formed.
“When we first started, we weren’t sure how our music would be received by the public,” said Ibbetson. “After a few performances, folks kept approaching us saying that they enjoyed and appreciated what we had to offer and wanted to hear more of it. We hope that all fans of bluegrass music will come out to Woody’s to celebrate the release of our CD with us this Saturday.”
For more information about the Skeeterland Band, its schedule and booking information, go to skeeterlandband.com or call 282-0049.
To go
What: Skeeterland Band CD release celebration
When: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Woody’s Waterside, St. James City