The act
Fiddle and clawhammer banjo lead Ross Smithard and Up Jumped Trouble, putting Appalachian music at the heart of a possible wedding bush dance. Guitar and banjo uke supply the rhythm, with an additional double bass player another option for the line up. Original fiddle pieces sit with traditional tunes, and Ross and Jackie also sing as part of the performance. Ross calls the dances, helping guests join in even when they have never tried the steps before. A lovely direction for couples who want the shared experience of learning a dance to be part of their celebration.
See Ross Smithard and Up Jumped Trouble play
Watch Ross Smithard and Up Jumped Trouble perform and get a feel for their sound, style and fit for your wedding.
What it costs
Pricing
Quote on enquiry
For your exact date, venue and running time, we send an itemised quote.
Pricing is confirmed before anything is booked. GST and travel are shown clearly on the quote.
Songs Ross Smithard and Up Jumped Trouble can play
Search their repertoire or browse the list below. Ask us about a first dance or another song that matters to you.
Old time Appalachian songs and tunes eg: Cotton Eyed Joe, Cripple Creek, Turkey in the Straw.Original fiddle/banjo tunes
Good to know
What to expect
Old-time Appalachian music played fast, with Ross on fiddle and Annette's clawhammer banjo carrying the melodies over Margaret's guitar and Jackie's banjo uke. Ross and Jackie sing. You get traditional mountain tunes, Ross's own fiddle writing and folk material from further afield in the same set. If it's a dance you want, that's where this band comes into its own, because Ross calls the dances himself and makes it easy enough that nobody needs to have done it before. Expect all ages on the floor within twenty minutes.
On the day
They bring their own PA, so no sound system is needed from you. Two things do matter at your end. Under cover is important, since fiddles, banjos and the electrics don't take kindly to weather. And for a dance, a timber floor is what you want underfoot. Concrete is hard on dancers and it kills the sound of feet, which is half the point of an old-time dance.
Performance options
The four piece is the usual band. A double bass player can be added for extra weight underneath, which suits a bigger hall or a longer dance. Ross will work out the right combination of musicians with you based on what your event is, so a small house concert and a community bush dance don't get the same line-up.
Insurance and paperwork
Public liability insured.
