Join us on Friday, May 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for bluegrass in Rogers Park. Bring a partner, picnic and beverage.

The West End String Band is a new combination of musicians dedicated to playing and performing traditional bluegrass music with modern appeal. Charlie McDaniel, guitar and vocals, moved to the upstate area about 20 years ago from Rutherford County, N.C. He was a member of the popular regional band, Hickory Flat, for over 20 years.

After moving to Greenville, McDaniel met his wife-to-be Kathy. She grew up singing American traditional songs with her father in Northwestern Ohio. Kathy became a die-hard bluegrass fan the first time she attended the popular Pickin at Pickens Bluegrass Festival. After going to bluegrass jams and shows with Charlie, she decided to take up a new instrument. Her timing and love for the music made the bass a great choice for her.

Charlie and Kathy played around Greenville for a year or so as a duet, playing bluegrass, folk, and acoustic blues, always longing for a banjo to take their music back to its traditional roots. They say they were ecstatic when Jim Rollins joined the group with his banjo playing and high lonesome vocals.

Rollins, a Clemson graduate, hails from the D.C. area, and currently lives in Simpsonville, S.C. His style, though steeped in traditional bluegrass, is versatile and creative. He has had the honor of being a Sunny Mountain Boy with Jimmy Martin, as well as playing tour dates with Dale Ann Bradley, The Blinky Moon Boys and many others.

Also, joining the West End String Band for Freedom Blast will be Casey McEntire. McEntire is a mandolin player/vocalist from Rutherford County, N.C., who will round out the West End sound. Casey was also a member of Hickory Flat, as well as Charlies first cousin.

West End String Band enjoys sharing their talents at many different functions around the area such as bluegrass festivals, city concerts, weddings and other private functions and frequently play in venues in the upstate area.