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"Funny, sweet, thoughtful, humble, generous stories about the rarefied culture of the folk musician."

Vineyards Press has just published a book of Bill's Acoustic Stories. Go to VineyardsPress.com to see more about this acclaimed publication.

Bill's pix

"The folk music world has found its Homer."

Milbre Burch, Storyteller

My name is Bill Amatneek.
I've played string bass and 5-string banjo in folk, bluegrass, and jazz groups most of my life. Maybe you've heard me on albums with Peter Rowan and the Rowan Brothers, Mark O'Connor, the David Grisman Quintet, Darol Anger, Kate Wolf or the Chambers Brothers.

Now I tell stories about my music experiences:

Playing bluegrass with Jerry Garcia,
  Concertizing with Peter, Paul and Mary,
   Interviewing Aretha Franklin for Rolling Stone,
    Pickin' with the Father of bluegrass,Bill Monroe,
     and many others.

I accompany these "Acoustic Stories" on 5-string banjo, guitar, and string bass. My audiences sing along on tunes like "Leaving On A Jet Plane," "Buddy Bolden's Blues," "Your Long Journey" and "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms."

These are stories of discovery, laughter, pay-back, adventure, and MUSIC. Stories with music, about music, and about the musicians who make our lives sing! The thrill of playing and the love of music are in Acoustic Stories.

I've tried to describe some of the Acoustic Stories in brief. Some folks have said some mighty kind words about my Acoustic Stories.

I tell stories at storytelling, bluegrass and folk music festivals, as well as birthday parties and celebrations.
I also lead two workshops:
"The 10 Commandments of the Personal Story," and
"Stories with Music - Making the Integration"
Here is some information about the storytelling workshops and commissions I offer.

And I've got a 'short list' of some storytelling links you might enjoy.