The 5-piece band from Ann Arbor Michigan fuses Gypsy, Middle-Eastern, Americana, and Latin traditions, mixing in pop hooks and Celtic fiddling, to create an infectious “global groove.” Dynamic front woman and multi-instrumentalist Erin Zindle adds her earthy-sweet voice and violin, mandolin, banjo, and accordion to the talents of guitarist T.J. Zindle, bassist Brian Crist, drummer Loren Kranz and percussionist Randall Moore.
The Ragbirds have performed in over 30 states in the past seven years, averaging 175 shows a year. Crisscrossing the nation in their converted diesel bus that runs on recycled waste vegetable oil, these festival
favorites have performed at Rothbury, 10,000 Lakes Festival, Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Hookahville, and more, and have shared the stage with Rusted Root, Railroad Earth, Toubab Krewe, Hot Buttered Rum, The Duhks, and many others.
The Ragbirds finally took a break from touring in late summer 2013 to celebrate the birth of Aviva Alice Moore, daughter of front-woman Erin Zindle and percussionist Randall Moore.
With the expansion of their family, The Ragbirds outgrew their well-known vegetable oil powered tour van, Cecelia, that they have traveled in for the past five years. “She was good to us”, says tour manager/percussionist Randall Moore, “but with over 200,000 miles using recycled vegetable oil for fuel, she has more than earned her retirement!” By using old restaurant grease for gas, The Ragbirds have managed to offset emissions their heavy road schedule by nearly 80 metric tons of carbon in just four years.
With the help of fans, friends, and family, The Ragbirds successfully funded a Kickstarter pledge drive in August of 2013, which enabled them to purchase a new, much larger family size diesel tour vehicle, which will also be converted to run on “veggie oil”, continuing their tradition of sustainable touring and green travel.
In Spring 2014, the band returned to the recording studio to work on their fifth studio release project, with an EP release scheduled for summer, and a full album expected on vinyl in the fall.
The Ragbirds (with baby Aviva and nanny in tow) will continue to spread their unique blend of enthusiastic folk rock and world beat Americana to concert venues and festivals stages all over the country in 2014.
Tickets: $13/Advance, $16/Door, general admission. Located at 345 Main Street, Rockland. To buy tickets, or for more information about all upcoming live concerts, films, HD broadcasts, and events at the Strand, visit www.rocklandstrand.com. Tel: (207) 594-0070 EX 3 Email: info@rocklandstrand.com
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