Moses Willey sets George concert for this Saturday

GEORGE - Just when you begin to think that January is a boring month, along comes the Moses Willey Band to heat things up.

The band with the intriguing name will start at 7 p.m. on the George Community Hall stage. Just $3 gets you in (kids 12 and under get in for free), and there will be a hat-pass for the musicians (suggested donation $8-$12).

Fresh-baked refreshments will be provided by Georgettes. Doors will open at 6:30.

“Who the Heck is Moses Willey?” is a catch phrase the band uses because there is no one in the band or affiliated with the band by that name.

The origin of the name Moses Willey is as hard to nail down as it is to classify the musical style of the 4-piece group. The group was formed in 2012 from an unnamed Irish Music band put together around St Paddy's Day.

The members added some bluegrass numbers to stretch out the sets and just never quit. Along the way they have put their own spin on songs ranging from Traditional Bluegrass to Appalachian to Old Traditional numbers with origins in the British Isles.

The band regularly digs into Folk/ Americana, as well as Modern Roots Music and has begun to add its own originals to the mix.

With Skinner D. Smith and Simon Way joining founding members Michael Lee Hicks and Don Saladin in September of 2013, the group moved closer to center of traditional music focusing on tight harmonies and instrumental breaks.

“Bluegrass Americana Appalachian Crossover Hybrid Acoustic Folk Fusion,” is how founder Michael Lee Hicks describes the sound.

Michael Lee Hicks, mandolin, lead and harmony vocals, is originally from Birmingham Alabama. He played his own brand of original folk music for many years.

After moving to the Northwest in 2004, Hicks became interested in Bluegrass and played with several local Bluegrass bands prior to forming Moses Willey.

Skinner D. Smith, guitar, lead and harmony vocals, is originally from Beavercreek Ohio. Growing up in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains along the Trail of the Bologna Rind, he was exposed to many legendary Bluegrass and Country Singers which greatly influenced his love of music and his musical style. He moved west in 2004 by way of Bozeman, Montana and resides in Spokane.

Don Saladin banjo, is originally from North Salem, New York, moving to the Northwest in 1996. He played Banjo in numerous local Bluegrass bands before becoming a founding member of Moses Willey.

Simon Way, bass,is originally from London England. He moved to the US in early 70s, found his way to the Northwest and became an active member of the Spokane Music Scene 1996. Music is his passion, besides Standup Bass he also plays electric bass and several style's of guitar.