Tough End String Band at Cadenza – Freeport, ME

This group has fun entertaining audiences with the diversity of its selections: a tango evolves into surf rock; some 1930’s jazz song might follow a traditional fiddle medley; or Paganini is juxtaposed with Tom Petty; and a transition to the blues could result in Gregg Allman funk or, instead, a Bill Monroe tune.

Formed over six years ago in the lively pub scene that has re-emerged in Orono’s Tough End (a century after the area was filled with musicians, mills, taverns, and brothels), the band has expanded its performances to festivals, fairs, receptions, and other venues. In addition, it has produced three studio-recorded albums – and, during the pandemic, two full-length, online-concert videos.

The members are Anthony Viselli on mandolin, Ryu Mitsuhashi on fiddle, Sam Furth on guitar, and Tom Bennett on bass, guitar, and percussion. TESB is sad to see the recent passing of its founding bass player and member, Paul Riechmann but continues to make music in his memory.