THE HOT SEATS • Missy Sippy

🌾 🪕 🚂 🎻 🥃 Rolling out of Richmond, Virginia with a joyful collision of old-time music, jug blues, ragtime and early country, this acclaimed stringband serves up dazzling musicianship, humour, swinging rhythms and wonderfully unruly live energy.

Formed in 2002 as a weekly bar band, they quickly became known for unpredictable live shows filled with humour, theatrical chaos and explosive performances. Inspired by the spirit of Woody Guthrie, Gus Cannon, Uncle Dave Macon and classic American travelling shows, the group combines deep roots traditions with playful creativity and exceptional musicianship.

Since 2020, the original core of Ben Belcher (banjo, bass, fiddle), Josh Bearman (mandolin, banjo, guitar) and Jake Sellers (percussion bass) has been joined by Rudy Bee (fiddle, tuba, accordion, piano), JM Nobile (mandolin, guitar) and Charles Arthur (banjo, fiddle, resophonic guitar), expanding the band’s already rich and unpredictable sound even further.

🏆 Over the past two decades, they have toured extensively throughout the US and Europe, performing at renowned festivals including Celtic Connections, SXSW, Tønder Festival, Shetland Folk Festival and multiple editions of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where they received a prestigious Herald Angel Award.

Press quotes say it all:

“Old-time music with attitude.” The Washington Post
“A fun band having fun.” The Scotsman
“Full of virtuosity and reverent irreverence.” Relix Magazine
“If you don’t have a good time when the Hot Seats play, check your pulse. You might be dead.” Richmond Times Dispatch

Free entrance. No reservations needed.

A warm contribution is highly encouraged. Be generous. Be kind.