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What You've Missed: Chapter 1 THE DIRDY BIRDIES JUG BAND are the descendants of a long standing tradition of jug bands, beginning during the early part of the century as "spasm" bands, and consisting of street musicians with little or no formal musical training. These bands, including the Memphis Jug Band, and Gus Cannon's Jug Stompers, utilized few true musical instruments, but made up for that shortcoming with the imaginative use of home-made instruments and tight vocal harmonies. The tradition was continued during the folk music revival of the 1960's by such new groups as the Even Dozen Jug Band and the Jim Kweskin Jug Band. Of all these groups, only one, clinging to and reaffirming the Darwinian thesis of "survival of the fittest," remains... THE DIRDY BIRDIES JUG BAND. Formed in the spring of 1965, on the campus of Montclair State College in New Jersey, THE DIRDY BIRDIES JUG BAND was originally intended to perform for only two appearances at the annual Spring Carnival Weekend. However, the response to the performances was so encouraging, and the members of the group found performing so enjoyable and invigorating, that they decided to continue performing throughout their college years and beyond. For the next seven years, THE DIRDY BIRDIES JUG BAND increased their repertoire, sharpened their stage performance, and expanded their circle of performing venues to include many of the more prestigious folk clubs in Greenwich Village, NY: Gerde's Folk City; The Bitter End; The Village Barn; The Red Garter; and The Cafe Wha? In addition, THE DIRDY BIRDIES JUG BAND also performed at many colleges in the area, including Seton Hall, Trenton State, SUNY- Farmingdale, University of Delaware, Centenary, Hofstra, Jersey City State and NYU, both in concert and coffee house venues. During this period, the band opened for such name acts as The Blues Magoos, The Royal Guardsmen, The Union Gap, Josh White, Jr., John Hammond, and Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. Chapter 2 follows... Now that you've seen this stuff, and you've really got the hunger, you're probably looking for something really substantial. Well, for an honest-to-God history of jug band music, and recommendations on books and recordings to add to your collection, look here. Yes...finally! After almost a year in production, Guano Records and The DIRDY BIRDIES Jug Band are proud to announce the release of For ordering information, a run-down of what's included on the newest offering from The Jug Band for The Millennium, look here. Of course, since our first CD, Endangered Species, was a million seller (I gotta million in my cellar), we still have a bunch left. If you're one of the few laggards left in the world look here for ordering info... Home | About Us | Fun Stuff | Scrap Book | FAQ | Links | Calendar | Other Stuff Last Updated: April 15, 2003