Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition Traditional Bluegrass Music suitable for any event!

Based in United States

California, Saint Mary's County, Maryland, United States
Main band photo

LOCATION
California, Saint Mary's County, Maryland, United States

TRAVEL
up to 260 miles

RATED
10 / 10 from 1 review

Watch / Listen

Gallery

Price Guide

Available to book from POA. For an accurate quote please make an enquiry.

About / Biography

Jay Armsworthy and Eastern Tradition play a variety of “hard-driving” Bluegrass music. The band’s repertoire consists of traditional Bluegrass, original ballads, energized instrumentals, and old-time gospel. With their own arrangements, Jay Armsworthy and Eastern Tradition insert a “punch” and a “drive” into Bluegrass music that is enthusing audiences of all ages.

JAY ARMSWORTHY – Guitar, lead & tenor vocals. From California, Maryland, Jay Armsworthy has been performing, promoting, and airing Bluegrass music for 37 years. He not only heads up his own band, but he is the promoter several events in the Southern Maryland area such as the annual Bluegrass for Hospice, L’il Margaret’s Bluegrass Festival, and a concert series at the American Legion in Hughesville, MD. He started playing guitar by the age of 10 and by 13 he had his own band performing in areas throughout St. Mary’s County, Maryland. By the age of 18, he put together his first Bluegrass show which was a benefit for a friend and featured over 6 bands. Since that time, Jay has put on concerts and fundraisers for various organizations.

Jay plays guitar and sings with his band, Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition throughout the East Coast. He has also been a part of other regional bands in Maryland including Ernie Bradley & Grassy Ridge as well as traveled and performed throughout the summer of 1995 with Bluegrass Artist David Davis & the Warrior River Boys from Alabama and in later years with the Paul Adkins Band. Jay also plays mandolin as well as singing lead & tenor vocals. He is known for his “driving” rhythm guitar playing, “cuttin’-up” entertainment on stage, and his hot licks and smooth voice are appreciated by all. Jay has received many complements on his first solo recording project entitled, “Just Lookin’ For Fun” which was recorded in 1995. To date he has 4 recordings with his latest, and most popular, an all gospel project titled "I Couldn't Make It Without Him" on Blue Circle Records which features a stellar lineup of professional musicians.

Jay started his radio career on January 17, 1993 on AM WPTX radio in Lexington Park, Maryland playing Bluegrass music for a 1 hour show he called “The Bluegrass Hour”. Nestled off the coast of the Chesapeake Bay, he changed the name of his show to “Bluegrass on the Bay” when an additional hour was added as well as another radio station. It was then heard on its sister station FM WMDM. He has also been heard on FM WBEY in Pocomoke City, Maryland, World Wide Bluegrass.com, and The Bluegrass Mix.com. Bluegrass on the Bay is currently heard on 5 radio stations: AM-1510 WWSM in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, WNNT FM-107.5 and realradio804.com in Warsaw/Tappahannock, Virginia, The Bluegrass Jamboree.com, The SBB Radio Network and 91.7 FM in Tennessee, Valerie Smith’s Bell Buckle Radio, and most recently WAMU’s Bluegrass Country.org, 105.5 FM, & 88.5 HD Channel 2. He produces the program from his home in California, Maryland.

Whether it’s performing, promoting, or DJ’ing, Jay Armsworthy has a passion for Bluegrass music and it shows in his endeavors.

Jay Armsworthy and Eastern Tradition have played countless fairs, festivals, community and private functions throughout the Eastern United States. Both Bluegrass audiences and the general listening public enthusiastically receive them.

With guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass and effective vocal harmonies, this acoustic ensemble is suited for all functions and social gatherings.

Reviews (1)

There is currently 1 user rating for Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition

AVERAGE RATING

10 / 101

Location

Based in United States

California, Saint Mary's County, Maryland, United States
Travels up to 260 miles
green circle = areas covered (up to 260 miles)
pink circle = free travel (up to 220 miles)
Travel areas on the map are approximate (distances may vary) free quote

Example of Song List:

CHISELED IN STONE

GOT NO REASON FOR GOING HOME

LUCILE

HE STARTED LOVING HER TODAY

YOUR CHEATING HEART

MORE AND MORE

ROAD INTO TOWN

COME BACK DARLING

WE’LL MEET AGAIN SWEETHEART

BIG COUNTRY

LONESOME WITHOUT YOU

TRAVELING THIS LONESOME ROAD

WONDER WHERE YOU ARE TONIGHT

DRIFTING WITH THE TIDE

HEAVENS DOOR

BEAR TRACKS

BLUERIDGE CABIN HOME

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE LONESOME

GOING HOME

WHEN MY BLUE MOON TURNS TO GOLD

OH JESUS

I OVER LOOKED AN ORCHID

HOMES ACROSS THE BLUERIDGE MTS.

WINGS OF ANGELS

DRINK UP AND GO HOME

LOVE PLEASE COME HOME

IN DESPAIR

WILL YOU BE LONESOME TOO

LENA

TRAVELN’ THIS LONESOME ROAD

LONESOME W/O YOU

SWEET DIXIE

PEARL

WORRIED MAN BLUES

Shucking Corn

LITTLE WHITE CHURCH

YOUR LOVE IS LIKE A FLOWER

Technical Info

What are your basic technical requirements?

We require 4 high quality vocal microphones, 3 high quality instrument microphones (4 if we have a fiddle player). All on boom style tripod microphone stands. Also required is 1 direct input box for the bass and amp. The band provides their own bass amp for the bass. It is required that the promoter provides a heavy duty extension cord for the bass amp. A stool is also appreciated. 2 high quality speakers that are suitable for the size of the venue and at least 2 high quality floor monitors. Setup Requirements: Mics & mic stands. speakers, floor monotors (band can provide)


What information do you require about a venue?

Our stage requirements to perform a show is very minimal. When able to provide, we appreciate a flat, solid stage that is at least 16 feet wide and 8 feet in depth and at least 1 foot in height. Anything above 1 foot high is required to have additional steps to enter and exit the stage. We can utilize the provided space that the promoter has to offer, but to put on our best performance, the above mentioned requirements and dimensions is greatly appreciated by the bands musicians.


Do you provide sound and lighting equipment?

Yes, we’re completely self contained. We bring our own PA system to all of our gigs when needed. As well as stage lights when needed.


Can you provide a Spotify/DJ service before and between your sets?

Yes, we’re happy to play recorded music before, after and between our sets. We’re happy to choose the music ourselves or let the client choose the music.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gig you've ever done and the best venue you've ever worked at?

We performed for the Maryland State Art's Council's Heritage Award Ceremony and was treated like a star. Also we performed for the Maryland State Folk Festival which was hosted by the Maryland State Arts Council.


What's your favourite type of event?

We love playing at all sorts of events but fairs, festivals, and carvinals are our favourite!
The guests are always happy with our performances.


What's your previous experience and how did you start gigging?

We have been together since the early 90's and havre played at various events and private gatherings since that time.


Which artists have you been most influenced by, who is your favourite artist and what is the greatest song of all time?

BANDS OPENED FOR

CHAD BROCK (country performer)
JOHNNY RODRIGUS (County performer)
IIIRD TYME OUT
GOLDWING EXPRESS
RENO BROTHERS
RALPH STANLEY & THE CLINCH MOUNTAIN BOYS
JAMES KING BAND
BOB PAISLEY & THE SOUTHERN GRASS
CLIFF WALDRON & THE NEW SHADES OF GRASS
PATENT PENDING
DAVID DAVIS & THE WARRIOR RIVER BOYS

Performance Info

What are your typical setup and performance times?

Setup for the band takes an hour and a full show performance is preferably 2 50 minutes sets.


Are you happy to perform outside?

We’re happy to play outside but we ask for shade, a flat level surface and a power supply close to the performance area.


Do the clients have a say in what you play or is it a set repertoire list only?

We typically have oru own set list but are able to accommodate special request to the best of our ability.


How do previous clients most commonly describe your performances?

Great communication!
Jay called me prior to the event to confirm my wishes. They arrived early to the venue and delivered exactly as promised! Such a friendly and talented group. Highly recommended!!

Excellent Performance in all aspects
Jay Armsworthy and Eastern Tradition were a joy to work with. All aspects of the event went smooth. From our initial contacts through the final songs, it was smooth. Folks at our party remarked on how tight they were as a band. The harmonies, melodies were focused, coordinated. This is a band that has spent decades honing their craft and it shows. They have a huge catalog of music from originals to old standards. Jay and the Eastern Tradition had our crowd up dancing, smiling, and enjoying some excellent bluegrass. Working with Jay was smooth. We coordinated initially, set the details, and had a quick follow-up a day or two prior to confirming. Jay arrived early to set up. Once they started playing, it was just magic. Thank you, Jay.


Can you provide an alternative band for smaller venue settings?

Yes, I have a trio called Cuzin's N Harmony which features 2 cousins on guitar and mandolin along with a bass player. We play traditional old time style of Bluegrass with lots of smooth harmonies.

Recent Clients

Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition has performed for these clients:

JAY ARMSWORTHY & EASTERN TRADITION

Appearances and Performances

BLUEGRASS FESTIVALS

Music In The Mountains, Summersville, WV

Peaceful Valley Bluegrass Festival, Shinhopple, NY.

Gettysburg Bluegrass Camporee, Gettysburg, PA.

Pemi Valley Bluegrass Festival, Campton, NH

Mountain Top Bluegrass Festival, Tarentum, PA

Arcadia Bluegrass Festival, Arcadia, MD.

Christopher Run Bluegrass Festival, Mineral, VA.

Pickin In The Pasture, Lodi, NY.

Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Festival, Amelia, VA.

Lil Margaret's Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival, Leonardtown, MD.

Old Bedford Village Bluegrass Festival, Bedford, PA.

Penninsula Bluegrass Association’s Creekside Bluegrass Festival, Laurel, DE.

Northern Neck Bluegrass Festival, Warsaw, VA.

Pavia Sportsman Club Bluegrass Festival, Pavia, PA.

Jamboree on the Hill, West Milton, PA

Mountain Heir Bluegrass Festival, Old Washington, OH

Bluegrass on the Potomac, Lions Club, Colonial Beach, VA

Grand Caverns Bluegrass Festival, Grottoes, VA

STATE and COUNTY FAIRS

New York State Fair, Syracuse, NY.

Prince George's County Fair, Upper Marlboro, MD.

Montgomery County Fair, Gaithersburg, MD

Charles County Fair, La Plata, MD.

Calvert County Fair, Barstow, MD.

Garrett County Fair, Oakland, MD.

Cecil County Fair, Fair Hill, MD

Lucketts Fair, Lucketts, VA.

Wayne County Fair, Honesdale, PA

Anne Arundel County Fair, Crownsville, MD

Green-Dreeher-Sterling Fair, Honesdale, PA

Grange Fair, State College, PA

Bluemont Fair, Bluemont, VA

BANDS OPENED FOR

CHAD BROCK (country performer)

JOHNNY RODRIGUS (County performer)

IIIRD TYME OUT

GOLDWING EXPRESS

RENO BROTHERS

RALPH STANLEY & THE CLINCH MOUNTAIN BOYS

JAMES KING BAND

BOB PAISLEY & THE SOUTHERN GRASS

CLIFF WALDRON & THE NEW SHADES OF GRASS

PATENT PENDING

DAVID DAVIS & THE WARRIOR RIVER BOYS

OTHER EVENTS, VENUES, and ASSOCIATIONS

WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, Wheeling, WV.

Bethlehem Musikfest 2000, Bethlehem, PA.

Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.

Frederick's 4th of July, Baker Park, Frederick, MD.

Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival Latrobe, PA.

St. Mary's County Oyster Festival, Leonardtown, MD.

Leitersburg Peach Festival, Leitersburg, MD.

Penny Royal Opry, Fairview, OH.

Lucketts Community Center, Lucketts, VA

Adirondack Bluegrass League, Saratoga Springs, NY

Acoustic Music Guild, Manahawkin, NJ

Tarara Vineyard & Winery, Leesburg, VA

Blessing Of the Fleet, St. Clements Island, Colton’s Point, MD

Country Corner Coffee House, South Hadley, MA

Venues

Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition has performed at these venues:

WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, Wheeling, WV.

Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.

Penny Royal Opry, Fairview, OH.

Lucketts Community Center, Lucketts, VA

Tarara Vineyard & Winery, Leesburg, VA

Country Corner Coffee House, South Hadley, MA

More Info

Events types:

Wedding

Birthday Party

Private Event

Corporate Event

Hotel / Restaurant Event

Funeral / Memorial

Concert

Religious Event

Cruise

Charity Event

Theatre Show

Christmas Party

New Year's Eve

Genres:

Musical Theatre

1950s Music

1960s Music

1970s Music

1980s Music

1990s Music

2000s+ Music

Bluegrass

Country

Christmas

Church Music

House

Gospel

Background Music

Features:

Instrumental

Male & female vocalists

100% acoustic (no power)

Female vocalist

PA / sound system included

Male vocalist

Contact

If you have any questions for Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition or would like to make an enquiry, please click "contact now" below. You can also add this listing to your favourites and contact multiple listings at the same time.
Contact Now

Start a new search