Knuckle Dusters History

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About The Knuckle Dusters...

With the arrival of 2012 --- The Knuckle Dusters enter their 16th year as a combo, performing traditional old-time fiddle, swing, ragtime, country, blues and hillbilly-jazz music across the Mid-Atlantic states.

Formed in 1996 by harmonica player & songwriter Scott Spearly, guitarist Tim Mitchell and claw-hammer banjo champion Paul Mackrell, the combo initially performed as a steadfast trio throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. As their name and reputation as a hard-driving old-time hillbilly-jazz band has grown, the Knuckle Dusters have taken to the interstates, stretching performances from D.C. to New York.

Joining up with The Knuckle Dusters full time in 2009, Captain Richard Pryor (Hagerstown, Md.) hammers out old-time standards on his mandolin --- though he is equally capable on the fiddle, guitar, bass, lap dulcimer, trombone or bugle. Matthew Spearly has also signed on with the combo, as he emerges as one of the area's top upright bass players.

Several talented fiddlers travel and perform with The Knuckle Dusters for their events: Robbie Caruthers (Boonsboro, Md.), Evan Price (Smithsburg, Md.), Steve Hickman (Fredericksburg,Va.), and Alexander Mitchell (Adamstown, Md.). When summoned, the band also utilizes the sweet vocal harmonies of Mindy Morris (Frederick, Md.) and the booming barrel-chested talents of Gary Peck (Everett, Pa.). Expect the Knuckle Dusters to be cocked and loaded with any combination of these artists for live shows.

Accepting bookings for dinner theatres, festivals, corporate functions, universities, taverns, square dances, weddings and just about any private endeavor under the sun, The Knuckle Dusters offer vintage Americana true-to-form. Join them as they continue to preserve American musical traditions and perform for a variety of audiences.

Knuckle Dusters History