The Etcetera String Band

For the past 25 years, The Etcetera String Band has been recognized as the foremost string ensemble specializing in the folk ragtime of the Midwest. Based in Kansas City, Kansas, every member of this trio is well-versed not only in the music but in the history of ragtime.

Kevin Sanders is one of the most talent ragtime guitarists today, impeccably reproducing the styles known at the turn of the century. Dennis Pash (mandolin) is an avid sheet music collector and researcher of not only ragtime but Creole and early Caribbean music. Bob Ault (banjo) is one of those multi-talented artists who can play a number of instruments including piano, theater organ, guitar, mandolin and numerous obscure instruments of the ragtime era. He is also a fine vocalist. From his extensive collection of records he has brought to light many important aspects of ragtime performance.

The ensemble is quite typical of many groups heard during the ragtime era, when mandolin and string bands flourished. Their interpretations amplify the folk roots of ragtime, bringing a new understanding of the music to audiences everywhere.

They have been featured at many festivals and concerts around the U.S. Two of their recent recording projects are: Fun On The Levee, which contains many of the great early folk rags; and Bonne Humeur, a collection of early Creole dance music from Louisiana, Haiti, Trinidad, Martinique and the Virgin Islands.