The Wilders bring a rock 'n' roll sensibility to their music while remaining grounded in the bluegrass and country music traditions from which they have emerged. Influenced by the likes of Hank Williams, Roy Acuff and Jimmie Rodgers, the Wilders are steeped in their old-time musical heritage. Yet the band brings its own take to the honky tonk and country songs they perform. From traditional bluegrass and gospel tunes to original country ballads and instrumentals, the Wilders cover a wide range of musical territory. A four-piece band -- composed of Ike Sheldon on lead vocals and guitar, Betse Ellis on fiddle, Nate Gawron on bass and the multi-instrumental talents of Phil Wade on the dobro, mandolin and banjo -- the Wilders go beyond Americana conventions.
The band has toured the world over, appearing at festivals here and abroad, and has even performed on "A Prairie Home Companion" and NPR's "Weekend Edition." After 15 years together, the Wilders have developed a remarkable chemistry. However, the band plans to take some well-earned time off in 2012. So catch them while you can, opening two shows for Pokey Lafarge and the South City Three at Off Broadway on December 15, 2011.
