This post is a contribution from Tom Bibey, one of our 2010 IBMA correspondents. He reports here on a performance by The Snyder Family on the Tuesday night main stage showcase.
When the fiddler introduces a fellow band member as “My Daddy, the bass player,” that’s a family band. But there’s more to his crowd than just cute kids. Samantha, a long blonde-haired eleven year old child with a perpetual smile is the youngest Union Grove fiddle contest winner in history, and finished second to her teacher at the Galax Old Time Fiddler’s Convention in August. Her older brother Zeb just turned fifteen, and plays guitar with a veteran’s poise. His style is of a Tony Rice influence with a mature balance of flash with restraint. Zeb puts me in the mind of a Shelby Cobra Mustang. He’ll hold back just a bit, but can wind it out any time the situation calls for it.
They cruised through classic bluegrass, family gospel trios, a jazzed up Lady Be Good, and original compositions at their IBMA Showcase Tuesday night, and received a standing ovation. Their young voices grow stronger by the month. Watch out for these kids from Lexington, N.C. They are on the move
