The Old Tin Can String Band will be the first to hit the stage at 11 am to kick off the WORT Block Party on Sunday May 20.

The band started in 2006 when ace fiddler Shauncey Ali tapped WORT’s own Chris Powers to sing and play a multitude of instruments (mandolin, bouzouki, guitar, etc.) for the new acoustic project he was putting together. Shauncey explains the name: “It’s because these songs have been knocked open and kicked around but they still hold up, like an Old Tin Can.” Soon, Pat Spaay was on board on rhythm guitar and the lineup was cemented with bassist Bruce Anderson. After establishing themselves locally the band found its niche as the Thursday night house band at Brocach Pub. For seven years they developed a wide-ranging repertoire of Irish tunes, bluegrass, jug band and swing music, among many other styles. Shauncey’s newest project, a youth fiddle program called MadFiddle where young people learn to play exotic fiddle tunes without printed music, also utilizes the talents of his OTC bandmates.

You can catch the band monthly every third Thursday at the Mason Lounge on South Park Street, and on May 20th at 11 am off the Capitol Square as part of the 21st Annual WORT Block Party!