Hummingtree Newsflash!
Wykoff quoted in January National Geographic Magazine
Hummingtree mandolin player Randy Wykoff was quoted in the January 12 issue of National Geographic in an article entitled “How Music is Used to heal the sick in Appalachia” by Taylor Sisk. Here is an excerpt:
“Randy Wykoff, dean of the East Tennessee State University College of Public Health and a mandolin player, is a believer in the medicinal qualities of music.
“We’re also more willing to recognize that there are things like music and art that contribute to your well-being.”
Comment in our tip jar from a show at St. Paul Mountain Winery: Thank you for a great “normal” afternoon!
Bio
Dave Miles, Earl Turner and Randy Wykoff came together as Hummingtree Band in 1985. The troubadours created a unique musical experience for audiences across the Southeast including gigs at the Belle Chere Festival in Asheville, NC and popular road houses of the day, such as Jackson Station near Greenwood, SC and Aun’s Feed Stable in Lexington, SC. Day job re-locations ended that run after only three years. But, for 23 years each continued their musical careers – Randy joining the Washington (D.C.) Mandolin Quintet; Dave became the “go-to” bass player for several bands including the “Swills,” along with developing a solo performing act, and Earl pursued his dream of songwriting, spending time in Nashville working with established songwriters such as Tom Kimmel. A few years ago, the three had actually gravitated to living within a few hours of each other. A weekend “reunion” turned into a “Reunion Tour” and the group has not stopped.