![]() BBLW (Barton, Barton, Liuzzo, and Ward) This project sprang from the dynamic collaboration of the father/daughter team of Big Leg Emma’s Amanda Barton; her father Stan Barton of the Blue Grasshoppers and the Bill Ward Band; and Mayville Bluegrass Festival founder Bill Ward. They added BWB bass player Paul Liuzzo to the mix and came up with this fresh Bluegrass/Newgrass quartet. All veteran members of the western NY music scene, the group brings with it a love and knowledge of the roots of Bluegrass music and a diversity in background that makes for a truly fresh approach. Amanda’s vocal, fiddle, and mandolin prowess is the cornerstone of the project, and fiddler Stan Barton is approaching legendary status in the tri-state bluegrass scene. Ward is another respected musical leader in the Northeast, and Liuzzo has been at his side for the last 15 years as bass player for his band. With one foot in tradition, and an eye on the future of Bluegrass, this group promises to add a dynamic dimension to this festival already teeming with superlative talent. |