Tuesday 6th June 2023
The Greystones, Sheffield
Hugely entertaining Americana & country roots from Tennessee
Thanks to everyone who came out for a superlative performance by Bill and the Belles
The fun and utterly fabulous Bill and the Belles feature gloriously smooth vocal harmonies and exquisite musicianship on fiddle, banjo and guitar. Massively entertaining but hard to categorise, this band from Johnson City, Tennessee is influenced by classic country, bluegrass and Americana, with a charming “vintage” persona – but they’re also inspired by pop, punk and Motown, especially those classic harmonies which hark back to groups like the Ronettes and The Shangri-Las. Bandleader Kris Truelsen (lead vocals, guitar) also shares his enthusiasm for traditional American music as an award-winning producer and presenter for WBCM Radio Bristol at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Tennessee. The touring trio also includes the extravagantly talented Kalia Yeagle (fiddle, vocals), who also teaches Old Time Music at East Tennessee State University, and newest recruit, the outstanding banjoist and singer Aidan VanSuetendael.
“What may be the most innovative modern interpretation of vintage roots music.” – No Depression
As the house band for the historic Radio Bristol programme Farm and Fun Time – now a syndicated TV show produced and hosted by Kris Truelsen – Bill and the Belles regularly perform alongside America’s top country, bluegrass and roots music artists, in an engaging variety style format which has been picked up by US public television network PBS, and now airs in around 20 million homes throughout the southern USA. With two acclaimed albums to their credit, Bill and the Belles have performed at venues and festivals throughout the USA and beyond. The band was a smash hit on their debut UK tour in 2019 – including a very special Greystones gig – and we’re delighted to welcome them back to Sheffield this year. Bill and the Belles bring to the stage an uplifting live show full of engaging humour, high spirits, and all-around revelry – come on out to the gig and we’re sure that you’ll agree!