About The Buskers

Anyone who has followed the live music scene in Lancaster County over the past decade has probably heard of The Buskers, an acoustic trio that has been performing regularly throughout central Pennsylvania for almost 15 years. Those who have caught The Buskers live at area venues have enjoyed an eclectic mix of rock, folk, blues, country and soul.

But have you heard The Buskers lately?

In 2008, The Buskers have brought some friends into the act. Their sound, still firmly grounded in guitars and sweet harmonies, has been augmented by blues harmonica, percussion, mandolin and accordion. At any given gig, The Buskers and Friends can be anything from a trio to a six-piece combo that can start toes tappin’ and shoes shufflin’ with a blend of Americana, southwestern Roadhouse, Chicago blues, even a taste of Tex-Mex.

Lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Greg Grasa and Tom “Woody” Pfenninger on bass, lead guitar and backing vocals remain as the original Buskers, a project that began in 1994. Don Nichols and his down-and-dirty blues harp joined the group in 2006, after a stint with the Dave Holt Blues Band. The man can truly make it wail, and it’s the perfect accompaniment to Grasa’s growling blues and roadhouse raves.

Jere Groft, a versatile percussionist, has been an honorary Busker for years, sitting in occasionally when he wasn’t working with any number of bands. His talents are always in demand, but recently he’s graced The Buskers with his big beat on a consistent basis. The congas, chimes and cymbals, as well as the exotic kahona and down-home washboard, add a rhythmic dimension that energizes both the musicians and audience.

Ron Malec on mandolin and Tom Markow on button-box accordion are the latest to join The Buskers’ party. Both men and their instruments are essential to elevating The Buskers’ wide-ranging repertoire of Americana, outlaw country, and Texas singer-songwriter staples.

The Buskers and Friends have one thing in common: They play for the love of the music. It’s evident in their performance, whatever the lineup happens to be. Sharing the same taste in music is an advantage. It’s not always easy to define what constitutes “good music,” but people always know it when they hear it. Sit back and enjoy The Buskers, and you’ll hear what we mean.

For booking information contact Greg Grasa at: 717-299-2674 or Woody Pfenninger at: 717-587-9915
Or contact us by e-mail at: info@thebuskersofpa.com