Alferd Packer Memorial String Band

The Alferd Packer Memorial String Band is five multi-instrumentalists, dressed in old time costumes, singing and playing fiddles, banjo, guitars, mandolin, hammered dulcimer, accordion, bass, and creative percussion. The band has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning with Bill Geist, and in a documentary called “Overlooked” which aired on KTKA-TV. They were the focus of articles in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Readers’ Digest. Their music has been used in a national broadcast on NPR. Their infectious good humor and high energy leave no toe untapped. Steve Mason; fiddle, guitar. Lauralyn Bodle; fiddle, guitar. Noah Musser; banjo, guitar. Matt Kirby; hammer dulcimer, percussion, button accordion. Mike Yoder; guitar, mandolin. All members sing and take a turn playing bass. All members have, individually, won a category in the Walnut Valley Festival New Songs Showcase. All but Noah have won a Phoenix award for arts achievement in Lawrence, Kansas.

In April 2019 we celebrated the Alferd Packer Memorial String Band’s 40th year, with a concert at the Cider Gallery, in Lawrence, Kansas. We play concerts for local arts associations, city festivals, arts centers, etc. as well as popular venues and weddings.

• $1700 for a concert. We can provide a sound system for $250. For long drives we will negotiate mileage compensation.
• Community Activity: Negotiable
• Educational Activity: $100 per workshop

We have performed at local schools before a regular concert. We have marched in lots of parades.

We have provided a wide range of workshops: various aspects of instrument making (Matt and Steve have made the instruments that they play in the show and love to talk about them). Odd instrument workshops. Songwriting workshops. And technique workshops on the many instruments we play.