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Mewl Music - Joe Newberry and April Verch (USA/Canada)

Growing up, Joe Newberry and April Verch absorbed traditions of home and hearth – in his Missouri Ozarks and her Ottawa Valley of Canada. Although they are on the road much of the year, the two musicians are fond of saying that they are rarely homesick, because their music means they always have a bit of home with them wherever they go. Ever since Newberry & Verch met they have shared a musical spark that few can match. Whether it is the power of two voices lifted in harmony, or the sound of traditional tunes calling people to get up and move, these two masters of tradition put on an unforgettable show. And, when their feet kick up the dust in perfect rhythm and those two voices become one, Joe Newberry and April Verch make folks remember why this music existed in the first place. Known around the world for his clawhammer banjo playing, Newberry is also a powerful guitarist, singer and songwriter, with a legacy of music awards and critical accolades. In addition to his work with April Verch, he also plays in a duo with mandolin icon Mike Compton (they performed at Seven Arts back in 2017). Joe comes from a family of singers and dancers. He took up the guitar and banjo as a boy and learned fiddle tunes from great Missouri fiddlers. April Verch grew up listening to her dad’s country band play for dances in the Ottawa Valley. Before launching her professional career, Verch was the first woman to win both the Canadian Grand Masters and Canadian Open Fiddling Championships.