Bill Powers

Bill Powers is a songwriter, singer and player of an array of stringed instruments. For the past seven years he has helped lead the much lauded and highly respected old time bluegrass band Sweet Sunny South, writing a good portion of the original music the band has become so well loved for. With SSS he sings lead, harmony and plays mandolin and has created his own innovative approach to old time banjo utilizing a plectrum rather than a 5 string. This along with an equally unique approach t...

Bill Powers is a songwriter, singer and player of an array of stringed instruments. For the past seven years he has helped lead the much lauded and highly respected old time bluegrass band Sweet Sunny South, writing a good portion of the original music the band has become so well loved for. With SSS he sings lead, harmony and plays mandolin and has created his own innovative approach to old time banjo utilizing a plectrum rather than a 5 string. This along with an equally unique approach to bluegrass inspired music helped to propel the bands reputation as a fire-storming acoustic quartet all across the Western region of the United States. In 2006, SSS gained the recognition of the International Bluegrass Music Association and earned an official showcase slot at its yearly expo in Nashville, TN. The bands success has been a result of the combination of all the members’ exceptional talents and at the heart of the group has been its creative spark plug, songwriting and wise cracking front man, Bill Powers. Born and raised in Mississippi, Bill draws influences from his southern upbringing and his rural Western Colorado surroundings. His reverence is obvious for songwriters like Robert Hunter, Utah Phillips, Tim O’Brien, Robert Earl Keen, Townes Van Zant, Jimmy Martin, John Prine, and John Hartford, just to name a few. Powers is a DJ at Public Radio Station KVNF in his hometown of Paonia, Colorado with 13 years experience, hosting shows featuring everything from Bluegrass and Country, to World Music, Folk, Funk, Lounge and more. All of this music has become a part of his collective conscience and comes out in his songs providing a feel and vibe all his own. He is a prolific writer specializing in simple, catchy melodies and has a knack for crafting “story songs” that fans request again and again. Sweet Sunny South is enjoying a break from playing in ’08 and Bill is taking the time to present some old favorites from the SSS catalog and feature a whole slew of new songs and tunes. He may be found solo on stage with guitar or banjo, sharing the stage with his lovely wife, Shelley Gray on bass and vocals in a duo called “Honey Don’t”, or with a revolving group of musicians known collectively as “The Silvertone Devils”. The Devils may present an acoustic bluegrass oriented sound or electrified rock and roll depending on what’s called for on a given day. Any which way you find him, whether its bluegrass, old-time, country, ragtime, blues or folk rock, you can be guaranteed some fine original, award winning music played impeccably with fire and soul. “Your writing and singing have a unique quality that goes right to the root of why I like bluegrass and country.” Pete Wernick aka Dr. Banjo Sept. ‘07 Silvertone Devils: Bill Powers - acoustic guitar, mandolin, vocals (SSS) Shelley Gray - bass, vocals (SSS) Eric Thorin – bass, vocals (Open Road, Tony Furtado, Drew Emmitt) Ryan Drickey – fiddle (Jake Schepps Expedition) Randy Utterback - fiddle, electric guitar, dobro, mandolin, lap steel, vocals (Flying Dog Bluegrass Band) Greg Schochet: mandolin, acoustic and electric guitar, vocals (Jake Schepps Expedition, Halden Wofford) Mark Anderson: Drums and Percussion Contact Info: (970) 527-5112 or bill@sweetsunnysouth.com Schedule and Music Clips: www. myspace.com/billpowerssongs