In September 2008, five musicians came together through the BYU Folk Music Ensemble with the same purpose: to play great music. The band consisted of Marie on fiddle; Ian, Erica and Stephanie on guitar; and Lucy on mandolin. Though the group started slow at first, Erica brought the group together with her leadership skills and vocal experience in Noteworthy. Lucy and Marie had the strong instrumental skills and had previously played together in a bluegrass ensemble the winter semester. Ian was the guitar master and rhythm extraordinaire and Stephanie was great for instrumental harmony. Above anything, the group was founded upon strong female vocals, creative arrangement, and songwriting.
Here is a video of their first show together.
"Ready to Run" by the Dixie Chicks.
Ian left the group that semester and the girls welcomed a new guitarist, Alex, to the group. They had no idea what a treat they had in store for them. Not only was Alex talented on guitar, but he was also a mandolin player, fantastic bass singer, and network maker through the music scene which got them many shows. That semester, The Lucky Crickets grew in popularity in the Provo area by playing at various gigs from house concerts to yogurt joints to fiddle festivals and through their most popular song "Boondocks" by Little Big Town. This semester, they also began performing originals songs by band members.
practicing outside the JKB (from left to right- Alex, Marie, Lucy, Erica, Stephanie)
end of the year recital
house show
3rd place winners of Fiddle Fest '09!
playing "Boondocks" cover at Yoasis
Erica and Lucy sadly left the group after the Winter Semester and in came our incredible knee harpist and vocalist, Jasmine, and hilarious guitarist and vocalist, Brandon. Alex also changed from Guitar to mandolin. The Lucky Cricket's founded female quartet was no more and they began to transition to four- and five-part men and women harmonies. Brandon brought the life to the group in his hilarious MCing and multi-instrumental talents (literally a modern-day one-man band. Jasmine contributed the serenity and coolness with her angelic voice and instrument. Together the Crickets sang classic and popular songs like Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," Death Cab's "I'll Follow you into the Dark," and "Red Haired Boy." This semester was the first time The Lucky Crickets started to get paid and skill trade gigs! This was also their first semester to record their songs in multitrack recordings. Their favorite shows this semester included the Palientology museum, Christmas party at the Manor, and a Stake fireside at the Prover Tabernacle.
@ Fiddle Fest Fall '09
silly and amazing group
That semester Jasmine graduated and Marie prepared for her mission to Salt Lake! They needed a new fiddler and found the fantastic Mr. Courtney! Courtney brought cowboy boots and "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" into the band as The Lucky Crickets continued to play more great shows around the Provo area including the Lounge, service shows and a personal recital at the Barn at Mapleton Pond. Their time together was well spent learning new bluegrass hits and adding a well needed "twang."
practing outside the JFSB at BYU
a typical setlist
at the "Barn" show
Red Haired Boy at the Mapleton Barn
In July of 2010, Stephanie, Brandon, and Alex hopped on airplanes to meet in Lyons, CO where they attended Rocky Grass Academy. They took the songwriting workshops from Sarah Siskind and competed in the band scramble. Stephanie wrote 4 songs over that week! Alex's band got 2nd place overall by singing his original song "Don't Bury me with my Guitar!" They all had a great time playing fiddle tunes, making new friends, and watching incredible musicians.
Rockygrass Academy '10
The Lucky Crickets auditioned fiddler Amanda into the group after Courtney's leave. Amanda was such a hidden treasure for them as well in her in providing quick learning and musical artistry to the group. Within the first couple weeks, Amanda learned all their songs and was ready to learn some new ones. Needless to say, their semester was busy with plenty gigs including Freshmen orientation, high priest dinner, Harvest Festival in Sundance and Thanksgiving point, and the Farmer's Market. In November the band played at BYU for their end-of-semester concert and their instructor, Mark, invited them on the Nauvoo trip with the Spring Performing Arts Company (Folk Dancers). The band was surprised and thrilled!
Fall '10
Monster Mile and 5k race performance
In January of 2011 and today, The Lucky Crickets added three new bandmates: Jordan on bass, Aaron on fiddle, and Maloree on guitar and vocals. These musicians are a pleasure to work with and outrageously skilled. This is the first time the band is over five members and has members from Utah! They practice Tuesday nights with their instructor in preparation for Nauvoo. This blog will cue you, the fan, into their current concerts, recordings, and other occurrences. ENJOY!
The Lucky Crickets- Winter 2011
