The SLO County Stumblers are an energetic American string band based in California’s Central Coast. The band features fiddler Casy Meikle, guitarist David Baine, banjo player Daniel Bohlman, and banjo builder Jerry James on bass. The band formed in 2018 when Meikle returned to California after several years in Middle Tennessee where he became steeped in the region’s musical traditions, traveling extensively with a variety of Southern string bands and with buckdancer Thomas Maupin. The Stumblers play hard-driving old time fiddle tunes and spirited songs, heavily influenced by the golden-era string bands of the 1920s and 30s. Their performance is filled with humorous stories and banter and is guaranteed to get feet moving across the dance floor.
In the short time since the band’s formation, the Stumblers have been hard at work, performing at a variety of folk and bluegrass festivals, square dances, oldtime fiddler’s conventions, as well as hosting the annual Pozo Oldtime Music Gathering. Each member contributes a unique role, educating and sharing their love of traditional music and craft.
“The SLO County Stumblers are an explosive and electrifying old-time string band in the purest sense. They knocked me on my ass the first time I heard them. They’ve got it…the ever-elusive “it” that you’ll find in the string bands of old and in a handful of modern string bands that are deeply in love with old-time music. The Stumblers are high-energy, tight-as-hell, fun, driving, and equally at home with scorching fiddle tunes AND the classic old-time song repertoire. Their soul-stirring vocals, killer clawhammer, booming bass, and ripping rhythm guitar will make you beg these words when you hear them: please don’t stop!!!!”
–David Bragger, Old Time Tiki Parlor
“Old Time is alive and well in the hands of SLO County Stumblers who bring the drive and grit stringband music deserves. They strike the perfect balance of taking the music seriously without taking themselves too seriously. It’s clear they have a rollicking good time playing with each other. Lend your ears a spell and good times will ensue.“
-Brad Kolodner, Folk Alley and Bluegrass Country Radio