Ethnic Music
Over the years Custom Music has come to represent a number of ethnic bands and musicians in North Carolina and South Carolina for theme parties, festivals and corporate functions. Their good music and festive costumes add color to a wide variety of special events. Along with the groups indicated below, we have strolling violinists who can perform the music of several European countries as well as harpists who perform Irish music, bagpipes for a touch of Scotland, and classical guitarists who play Flamenco music. In addition to single and strolling musicians, below is a sampling of some of the ethnic bands we represent.
Tracy Thornton
Listen:
Style: Caribbean
If you are planning a party that calls for the delightful steel drum sounds of the islands, you need look no further than Tracy Thornton. After some years of touring with hard rock groups and well known reggae/calypso bands, Tracy formed his own critically acclaimed calypso/jazz group “Been Caught Steelin,” He also founded and managed “Sons of Steel” which became the nation’s most exciting steel drum band.
Through his exceptional talents and seasoning as a musician, recording artist, showman and teacher, Tracy has become one of the most popular steel pannists around today, both nationally and internationally. His instruments include tenor steelpan, drum kit, djembe, congas, timbales, bongos, guitar as well as any type of percussion.
When not on tour, Tracy enjoys performing as a one-man steel drum band for special events from his home base in High Point, NC.
Puddingstone
Listen:
Styles: Celtic
Puddingstone is a “musical time machine” that offers a unique sound that is endearing to audiences both at home and abroad. While it basically fits the profile of a Celtic band, it brings together a beautiful blend of Medieval, Renaissance, Folk, New Age and Jazz music. The full bands instruments include: hammered dulcimer, fife and drum, penny whistle, flute, harp, lute, guitar, recorder, hurdy-gurdy, gemshorn, crumhorn, vocals and synthesizer.
Based in Lenoir, NC, Puddingstone has performed for audiences in Scotland and England. It performs regularly at Old Salem, the Biltmore Estate and Colonial Williamsburg as well as at numerous public, private and educational functions through out the Carolinas.
Puddingstone performs music from many eras, and is dedicated to presenting audiences with beautiful and innovative musical arrangements that are both comfortably familiar and refreshingly new.
Die Rheinlander
Styles: German
The Die Rheinlander band was formed in 1985 by its leader Bob Parker who sings and plays accordion and synthesizers with the group. The band performs in the Carolinas, Virginia and Georgia, entertaining people from all walks of life with happy, authentic Oktoberfest tunes.
Along with providing happy music, Bob and his band members charm their audience with their showmanship, humor and spontaneity. The band comes complete with German attire and is guaranteed to add light-hearted fun and gaiety to any party.
For smaller events, Bob Parker performs as a single musician. As needed, he can either stroll or remain stationery.