Genre: An explosion of Americana, Rock-a-Billy, Folk, and Gypsy Jazz

Shepherdstown, WV’s A Faster Buffalo have been spreading their infectious blend of Americana and Folk music throughout the region since the band’s inception in early 2013. A Faster Buffalo’s unique sound is owed as much to their surroundings as it is to the diverse musicians who create it. Chief songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist Shannon Roberts grew up playing in punk rock bands, but was eventually drawn back to the Appalachian music of his youth. As he began focusing more on songwriting, Roberts set out to recruit a group of musicians to help realize the vision he had for the band.

The talented rhythm section of Matt Lewis and Daniel Tait, who play upright bass and drums, respectively, joined Roberts to form the initial lineup. Lewis and Tait have played jazz music together for a decade, and are well-respected West Virginia musicians. Soon after their formation, mutli-instrumentalist Jacob Smith (piano, accordion, saxophone) was added to the group, bringing along his influences of World music and Gypsy Jazz. Rounding out the lineup is the addition of lead guitarist Kenny Bussey, who also has a hand in banjo duties. Bussey is long known in the area for his versatility and skill, which are both showcased in his live performance.

The result is a blend of Swing, Rock-a-Billy, Folk, and Gypsy music, all delivered with a high energy and earnest performance. Currently in the studio recording their debut full-length record, the band aims to capture the passion and unpredictability of their raucous live shows. A Faster Buffalo continue to evolve as a band, preserving timeless traditional music of the past, while infusing it with their own original material and touch.

Doors 9:30 | Music 10

21 and up