About The Knuckle Dusters

Like much of the music they choose to perform, The Knuckle Dusters themselves are fossils from the last century. Formed in 1996 by harmonica player & songwriter  Scott Spearly, guitarist Tim Mitchell and claw-hammer banjo champion Paul Mackrell, the roots band has emerged as an acoustic powerhouse in the 21st century. Old-time fiddle traditions, blues, Texas swing, pitiful country, early folk & jazz and many other forms influence their repertoire. Accepting bookings for dinner theatres, festivals, corporate functions, universities, square dances, weddings, and just about any private endeavor under the sun, The Knuckle Dusters offer vintage Americana true to form.

In the early years, the combo performed solely as a steadfast trio throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. As their name and local reputation as a hard-driving old-time hillbilly-jazz band grew, the Knuckle Dusters took to the interstates stretching performances from New York to D.C.  Some of the region's top fiddlers have signed on with the combo for their performances: Evan Price (Smithsburg, Md.), Steve Hickman (Fredericksburg,Va.), Alexander Mitchell (Adamstown, Md.) and Robbie Carathers (Boonsboro, Md.).

Adding to the mix when summoned, Richard Pryor (Hagerstown, Md.) chops out old-time standards on his mandolin-- though he is equally capable on the fiddle, guitar, bass, lap dulcimer, trombone or bugle. In the vocal department, the band utilizes the sweet harmonies of Mindy Morris (Frederick, Md.) and the booming barrel-chested God-given talents of Gary Peck (Everett, Pa.).  Expect the Knuckle Dusters to be cocked and loaded with any combination of these artists for live shows.

As they get ready to enter their 14th season, the Knuckle Dusters will continue to preserve American traditions by bringing great live music to a variety of audiences.