biographical info
The Hobos are of another time. A time when pleasure usurped profession; when live music provided the soundtrack for excess; this period they bring to life on stages across Canada. With a stage show that harkens back to the days of the travelling salesman, The Hobos are the cure-all elixir for those requiring entertainment. Their brand of music is authentic and complex, mixing equal parts of the carnival, farm, tavern and circus. Two acoustic guitars, a banjo, mandolin, doghouse bass and a fiddle create the unique backdrop over which the 6 vocalists paint malevolent yet harmonious works of art. Their music drives and swings while they stomp - the crowd smiles and joins in.
The band began in the June 2007 when they entered the showcase at The Rollo Bay Old-Time Music Festival in their native Prince Edward Island for free tickets to the festival. They won the fan choice award and were asked to play the next night - for money! Since that weekend the Hobos have been busking the streets, hopping on and off trains and making people smile from sea to shining sea.
Their first album The Grass Mountain Hobos won 3 2009 PEI Music Awards and The 2009 East Coast Music Association's Bluegrass Album of the Year.
A swing, bluegrass, blues, and folk infusion – The Grass Mountain Hobos give a carousing performance that is bound to entertain audiences Canada wide. With music full of humour and musicality, the band has received a standing ovation from every festival crowd that they have played to. Touring constantly, The Hobos bring with them music of the wandering dreamer and the train hopping adventurer in a way that engages audiences both young and old.
lineup
Josh Ellis Vocals/Guitar
Thomas Kirkham Mandolin/Vocals
Peter Cann Guitar/Vocals
Peter Webb Banjo
Gordie MacKeeman Fiddle
Thomas Webb Doghouse Bass