Biographies

When Pigs Fly! is an exciting and distinctive four-member ensemble which has been gracing Southern California venues since 1999. At their concerts they not only play and sing, but also teach the history of the tunes and tell silly pig jokes to boot! They have been described as one of the "most refreshing sounds" out there today. From back-yard parties to museums, festivals, and lobby shows, When Pigs Fly! complements every event. Your guests will surely be pleased!

	Bea plays hammered dulcimer, plucked and bowed psaltaries, and a variety of fun percussion instruments with the band. While she appreciates all kinds of music, Bea particularly enjoys Renaissance, O'Carolan, and Americana music. She is one of the founding members of Southern California Dulcimer Heritage (www.scdh.org) and takes an active part in their activities, especially the Harvest Festival of Dulcimers. Bea presents musical enrichment programs at libraries, schools, churches, and club meetings on the history of the hammered dulcimer, and she was selected to demonstrate a dulcimer "tremelo" on the Special Extended Edition of "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" DVD (disc 4). You may learn more about Bea at http://www.celticana.net.
	Jim plays a dynamic variety of percussion instruments for the band, including the bodhran, or Irish frame drum; the dumbek, a Middle Eastern drum; snare drum; and musical spoons -- yes, the kind you have in your kitchen! He also is our principal guitarist, an instrument he's played since high school; and he plays beautiful Appalachian dulcimer as well. Jim is a founding board member of the Southern California Dulcimer heritage (www.scdh.org) and lends his considerable talents to 2 other local bands, the BogSkippers, a Celtic ensemble, and Willow Bend, playing primarily Old Time and Shaker tunes. An accomplished contra dancer, Jim is currently learning Irish Celi step dancing.
	Marianne plays hammered dulcimer, bringing out beautiful harmonies and counter melodies in many of our tunes. She also contributes her skills on the fretted dulcimer and rhythm guitar, and occasionally an irreverant bit of kazoo or other silliness. From an early beginning teaching guitar in high school, Marianne has a lifetime of experience with folk instruments and vocals. An elementary school teacher by profession, Marianne is dedicated to passing on her love of music and delights in drawing out the younger audience members. Teaching folk songs to her students, presenting school assemblies, and teaching workshops at festivals are other ways Marianne imparts her passion.
	Mike (aka The Gig-meister) has performed in various bands over the past 40 years (yikes!) ranging from rock to folk, bluegrass, and contemporary Christian. While Mike enjoys all types of music, he is particularly fond of bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and songs with historical stories. In addition to guitar, Mike plays mandolin, banjo, fretted dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, and contributes to vocals for the band. To quote Mike, "Music will always be a special part of me, the friendships I've made and the talent I've encountered from both within and outside of this band will always be cherished."

We would be pleased to play for your event.
Contact us at (562) 861-7049 or
whenpigsfly4u@yahoo.com

Order online at

by phone at 1-800-BUY-MY-CD