There are 3 bios on this page please select the one that suits your needs
Detailed Bio
Jim Hale…
For more than forty years Jim has been at the forefront of the clawhammer banjo revival. His style has been referred to as “powerful”, “eloquent” and “tastefully professional”. In performances Jim also contributes rhythm and lead guitar and his half of a courtship dulcimer. Born in Kansas, his love of music was fostered by two great-aunts who performed at local events and family gatherings. Jim has had a varied musical career as a founder and front-man of regional bluegrass bands, leader of award winning string bands, as a luthier and co-founder of S.L. Mossman Guitars, and column author in music publications Sing Out! and Banjo Newsletter. In addition to Suzanne and Jim recordings his banjo playing has been featured in Home on the Range (Wichita Eagle and Beacon Publishing Co., Wichita, KS) and the Warner Brothers’ TV mini-series, “The Wild West”.
Suzanne Jaroszynski…
Suzanne has a well deserved reputation for her rich, versatile voice, bringing warmth and passion to sentimental ballads, nimble range to cowgirl yodels and power to Old-Time gospel shouters. She has been a repeat first place winner in the folk song category at the prestigious Mount Airy, North Carolina Fiddlers Convention. Originally from Michigan, Suzanne spent many years in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina immersed in traditional Old Time music. Her strong rhythm guitar playing provides a solid foundation for Jim’s banjo solos and for the duet’s vocals. A multi-talented instrumentalist, Suzanne also displays her skill on wind instruments- flute, fife, penny whistle and recorder. and is known for her Maybelle Carter-style autoharp technique. Suzanne is an accomplished percussionist, creating complex rhythms with spoons, bones and her feet.
Together…
Suzanne and Jim are among the rare musical artists who explore new directions by looking back into the roots of Americana music and lore. The husband and wife team blend their voices and instruments in songs of an earlier time. The stories told by these old songs (and the stories behind the songs) not only relate tales of a bygone era but open a window into the origins of our modern culture. The duo’s performances are designed from their research into archived collections of historic music and are presented in a lively manner with just the right touch of Jim’s homespun humor. Since 1992 they have toured and lived on the road full time - truly modern day troubadours. Suzanne and Jim have enthralled audiences in more than 40 states, Canada and Europe appearing at festivals, concert halls, universities, civic events, community concerts, libraries and museums. Suzanne and Jim have released 5 recordings - Keep Smilin’, Song-Chasers, A Victorian Christmas, Down by the River, and Come Dance and Sing and a full length concert video Song-Chasers Live! In 2015 their recording of What Are They Doing In Heaven Today from the CD Down by the River was included in an episode of the French television show “Les Revenants” seen in France, Belgium and Sweden.
*****
Detailed Bio
Jim Hale…
For more than forty years Jim has been at the forefront of the clawhammer banjo revival. His style has been referred to as “powerful”, “eloquent” and “tastefully professional”. In performances Jim also contributes rhythm and lead guitar and his half of a courtship dulcimer. Born in Kansas, his love of music was fostered by two great-aunts who performed at local events and family gatherings. Jim has had a varied musical career as a founder and front-man of regional bluegrass bands, leader of award winning string bands, as a luthier and co-founder of S.L. Mossman Guitars, and column author in music publications Sing Out! and Banjo Newsletter. In addition to Suzanne and Jim recordings his banjo playing has been featured in Home on the Range (Wichita Eagle and Beacon Publishing Co., Wichita, KS) and the Warner Brothers’ TV mini-series, “The Wild West”.
Suzanne Jaroszynski…
Suzanne has a well deserved reputation for her rich, versatile voice, bringing warmth and passion to sentimental ballads, nimble range to cowgirl yodels and power to Old-Time gospel shouters. She has been a repeat first place winner in the folk song category at the prestigious Mount Airy, North Carolina Fiddlers Convention. Originally from Michigan, Suzanne spent many years in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina immersed in traditional Old Time music. Her strong rhythm guitar playing provides a solid foundation for Jim’s banjo solos and for the duet’s vocals. A multi-talented instrumentalist, Suzanne also displays her skill on wind instruments- flute, fife, penny whistle and recorder. and is known for her Maybelle Carter-style autoharp technique. Suzanne is an accomplished percussionist, creating complex rhythms with spoons, bones and her feet.
Together…
Suzanne and Jim are among the rare musical artists who explore new directions by looking back into the roots of Americana music and lore. The husband and wife team blend their voices and instruments in songs of an earlier time. The stories told by these old songs (and the stories behind the songs) not only relate tales of a bygone era but open a window into the origins of our modern culture. The duo’s performances are designed from their research into archived collections of historic music and are presented in a lively manner with just the right touch of Jim’s homespun humor. Since 1992 they have toured and lived on the road full time - truly modern day troubadours. Suzanne and Jim have enthralled audiences in more than 40 states, Canada and Europe appearing at festivals, concert halls, universities, civic events, community concerts, libraries and museums. Suzanne and Jim have released 5 recordings - Keep Smilin’, Song-Chasers, A Victorian Christmas, Down by the River, and Come Dance and Sing and a full length concert video Song-Chasers Live! In 2015 their recording of What Are They Doing In Heaven Today from the CD Down by the River was included in an episode of the French television show “Les Revenants” seen in France, Belgium and Sweden.
*****
Short Bio
Modern-day troubadours Suzanne and Jim have delighted audiences across the U.S., Canada and Europe for 25 years with their skills on the 5-string banjo, acoustic guitar, flute, autoharp, courtship dulcimer, and a smattering of spoons as well as carefully crafted vocals and gentle, home-spun humor.
Suzanne and Jim are among the rare musical artists who explore new directions by looking back into the roots of Americana music and lore. The husband and wife team blend their voices and instruments in songs of an earlier time. The lively stories told by these old songs (and the stories behind the songs) not only invite insight into who we are, but a rollicking good time as well. From the first note to the last applause you won't want to miss this memorable entertainment experience.
*****
Modern-day troubadours Suzanne and Jim have delighted audiences across the U.S., Canada and Europe for 25 years with their skills on the 5-string banjo, acoustic guitar, flute, autoharp, courtship dulcimer, and a smattering of spoons as well as carefully crafted vocals and gentle, home-spun humor.
Suzanne and Jim are among the rare musical artists who explore new directions by looking back into the roots of Americana music and lore. The husband and wife team blend their voices and instruments in songs of an earlier time. The lively stories told by these old songs (and the stories behind the songs) not only invite insight into who we are, but a rollicking good time as well. From the first note to the last applause you won't want to miss this memorable entertainment experience.
*****
Shorter Bio
National touring artists Suzanne and Jim have brought Americana Roots Music to appreciative audiences for 30 years. Award winning vocals with five string banjo, guitars, flute, autoharp, a smattering of spoons and home spun humor are all woven together into an unforgettable good time.
*****
National touring artists Suzanne and Jim have brought Americana Roots Music to appreciative audiences for 30 years. Award winning vocals with five string banjo, guitars, flute, autoharp, a smattering of spoons and home spun humor are all woven together into an unforgettable good time.
*****