Barefoot Manner
| Barefoot Manner | |
|---|---|
| File:Barefoot Manner.jpg | |
| Background information | |
| Genres | Bluegrass |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Website | barefootmanner.com |
| Members | Jeff Garland Hank Smith Shawn Chase Leo Kishore |
| Past members | Walter Hensey Dave Kleiss |
Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. Barefoot Manner is a four-piece musical group whose sound is rooted in newgrass, soul shaking funk, and musical experimentation. The Boys of Barefoot Manner have a passion for making music and mixing in some positive reggae and Caribbean vibes. The music has been labeled everything from Americana Groove-grass to Cosmic Funk-grass, to bluegrass and beyond.[citation needed] The music of Barefoot Manner is an original blend of bluegrass instrumentation in a genre-free world.
Contents
Band formation
Barefoot Manner was formed at the turn of the millennium as a bluegrass trio composed of Walter Hensey, Dave Kleiss, and Shawn Chase, three men who combined their love of music with their desire to become better musicians. During the Fall of 2000, they met percussionist Jeff Garland and began to develop their unique sound.
Current members
- Jeff Garland on Percussion & vocals
- Hank Smith on Banjo & Electric Banjo & vocals
- Shawn Chase, Mandolin & vocals
- Leo Kishore on Bass
Former members
- Walter Hensey (as of 2005)
- David Kleiss (as of 2006)
Timeline
2001
On January 27, 2001, Barefoot Manner made their first official appearance at the Pour House in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Barefoot Manner spent the majority of 2001 playing extensively throughout North Carolina, performing with such acts as the Sam Bush Band, Acoustic Syndicate, the Larry Keel Experience, Blueground Undergrass, and the John Cowan Band.
Their debut studio album, "Mannerisms", was released in September.
2002
Barefoot Manner performed 133 shows in 2002, touring through 13 states. Highlights of the year were Smilefest in June with Béla Fleck and Keller Williams and Salmonfest in August with Leftover Salmon and Galactic. In September, Barefoot Manner also hosted its first ever outdoor festival called Mannerland and headlined the event for two nights. The group's second album, "Centered", came out in November and Home Grown Music Network stepped up to help circulate. Barefoot Manner did a two night stay at the "Haunted" Pour House in Raleigh, NC for Halloween and then performed a New Years show at the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, NC.
2003
The group performed 155 shows in 20 states playing non-stop throughout the year. The group toured out to Colorado in March and then hosted its second festival, Mannerland II, in April. Long-time friend, Hank Smith, officially joined the group over the Summer with his unique banjo skills. The group's Smilefest performance in Union Grove, NC marked the beginning of the five-piece Manner sound as Barefoot Manner played nearly five straight hours and brought the sun up to close out the festival. Barefoot Manner rounded out the Summer by touring out to California for the first time to play the High Sierra Festival. Upon returning to North Carolina, the guys recorded their 3rd album live in Raleigh on July 26 and 27 at the Aqua Leisure shows. Barefoot Manner welcomed in the Fall with their third festival, Mannerland III, in September. The Halloween show in 2003 showcased Barefoot Manner as a council of Manner jedi with the Star Wars theme in full effect. The New Year's Eve show was at The Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, NC and the event was filmed in hopes of releasing a DVD in the Spring of 2004.
2004
Barefoot Manner spent 2004 touring the South Eastern United States and performing at a number of Festivals. The band performed 142 shows along the East Coast. Barefoot Manner opened for The Dead at Alltel Pavilion in Raleigh, NC on August 17. Mannerland IV on September 10–12 was a huge success, as was the two-night Halloween performance featuring Myron Koch on sax.
2005
The group made a conscious decision to perform less shows and spend the majority of the year working on keeping the band healthy and happy and really getting back to the music. The group performed 64 shows, concentrating close to their home state of North Carolina. Highlights of the year included the Terrapin Tour at the beginning of the year, Smilefest 11 in the Summer, and Mannerland 5 in the Fall.
On December 31, 2005, Barefoot Manner marked the end of an era with a special evening that focused on celebrating Walter Hensey’s incredible five year contribution to the Manner vibe. Walter's final show as bass player for the group was an emotional evening full of musical inspiration and energy. The Amateurs, Mamadou Diabaté, and Mac & Juice all shared in this special New Year’s event.
2006
As David Kleiss, Hank Smith, Shawn Chase, Jeff Garland, and Leo Kishore embark on the sixth year of the Barefoot Manner musical journey, the focus is all about exploring the music on all new levels. The musicians, fans, and friends in the world of Barefoot Manner continue to create moments that celebrate the fact that we are alive and share in the beauty of the positive music and energy they create together.
