One of Maine's most popular and respected Bluegrass bands, The Katahdin Valley Boys have been thrilling audiences around Maine and northern New England since their blending of talents in 1998. The Katahdin Valley Boys take pride in presenting audiences with top quality traditional and contemporary Bluegrass and Gospel music including numerous original tunes.

Each member brings many years of experience and professional showmanship to the band's hard driving, traditional Bluegrass sound. Their repertoire features tight harmonies and smooth solos. The Boys are unique in that all five band members share lead singing. A Katahdin Valley Boys show has a fresh, personal approach and an exciting format.

All band members are featured instrumentally and vocally in each set of every show. Emcee work is fluid, engaging, family entertainment and is performed by multiple band members. The depth of talent of the band’s vocals allow for varied and exciting combinations of harmonies of both Gospel and Secular tunes. Song selections for each set of every show are compiled with great attention to detail to present a dynamic and interesting show for all audience members.

The band has multiple sets from a vast repertoire. In keeping the tradition of the pioneers of Bluegrass, and out of respect for our audiences, The Katahdin Valley Boys take great pride in their appearance on stage and coordinate their wardrobe accordingly.

The Katahdin Valley Boys at the
LL Bean Paddlesports Festival.

Ken Brooks; Guitar and Vocals. Ken is from Athens, Maine. He provides excellent rhythm and lead picking along with lead and harmony vocals to enhance the band's all around sound. Ken brings a wealth of experience and vast repertoire to the band. Performing since 1965, Ken has played with several popular bluegrass bands. The Katahdin Valley boys are proud to add Ken's overall expertise to the band.

Wayne Burtt; Mandolin and Vocals. Wayne is from Hermon, Maine. He provides soulful, strong lead vocals and gives the band a firey touch of mandolin. His father also played mandolin and guitar and was one of his first influences in music. An original member, Wayne has performed with the Katahdin Valley Boys since 1998.

Steve Bixby; Bass and Vocals. Steve sings lead and plays the upright bass. Originally from Ashland, Massachusetts, Steve and his family now make their home in Round Pond, Maine. At the invitation of a friend to join him at a festival in New York state, Steve caught the Bluegrass bug in 1978 and began playing bass in 1980. A seasoned bass player and recording artist, he has performed at numerous Bluegrass Festivals throughout the Northeast. Steve's musical influences include: Jerry McCoury, Ed Ferris, Tom Gray, and Mike Bubb.

Jeff Folger; Banjo and Vocals. Jeff calls Sidney, Maine home. He delivers superb lead and soaring harmony tenor vocals and provides a traditional hard driving banjo style. The traditional sounds of Ralph Stanley, Earl Scruggs and J.D. Crowe have been a major part of his musical influence. Jeff has been performing since 1993 and has been with the Katahdin Valley Boys since 1998 as a founding member.

Kip Yattaw; Fiddle and Vocals. Kip is from Port Clyde, America where he practices the art of violin making in his home workshop. His unique style of bluegrass fiddle along with lead and harmony vocals help shape the Katahdin Valley Boys sound. His musical career spans back to the early 1960s playing guitar in country and rock and roll bands. After hearing Mac Wiseman in 1994, Kip was inspired to play the fiddle. He has had the honor of performing several times with Mac Wiseman, the man who influenced his decision to play the fiddle.

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*"Working Man" CD * PowerPoint Presentation*

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This Page Created and Maintained by Steve Bixby
Last Update: 1/10/10