West End String Band

The client can expect our band to arrive in plenty of time before the event, professionally dressed, ready to set up our sound, tune up and perform. We are flexible on length of gig and will tailor our performance to your event, honoring requests, listening and responding to your needs for the event, whether large or small. We play as a 3 piece in most cases, but at times we’ll add a special guest, for an extra special show if available. We can perform traditional bluegrass, old country, and modern acoustic songs. We tailor our performances to satisfy the preferences of the client.

The West End String Band is an exciting combination of musicians dedicated to playing and performing traditional bluegrass music with modern appeal. We regularly play for weddings, receptions, reheasal dinners, oyster roasts, and at regional venues such as bars, restaurants, picking parlors, acoustic stages, and festivals. Band includes: 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. Hickory Flat brought home a top 10 finish in the SPGMA bluegrass band world championship, followed by several busy years on the festival circuit. Charlie‘s soulful singing puts the blues in bluegrass.

After moving to Greenville, Charlie met his wife-to-be Kathy. She grew up singing American traditional songs with her father in Northwestern Ohio. As a percussionist in high school, she won the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award for piano. 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 great timing and true love for the music made the bass a great choice for her. She anchors the group now with her rock solid timing and harmony vocals.

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 were ecstatic when Jim Rollins joined the group with his superb banjo playing and high lonesome vocals.

Jim Rollins, a Clemson graduate, hails from the DC area, and made his home in Simpsonville, SC. Jim was a true bluegrass historian as well as one of the most knowledgeable pre-war banjo experts in the country. Unfortunately Jim passed away in a tragic automobile accident in 2017, a longtime friend of band mates, and we haven’t found the right replacement yet.

Brian VanAntwerp is the master of fiddle with the band, Michigan St alumni and orchestra grand master….Brian truly is the instrumental star of the show, and has grown into a tremendous vocalist, singing exciting leads and tight harmonies. Any audience will love the show this young man puts on, while blending wonderfully with the group.
We look forward to entertaining for any event !!