Pejepscot Station – Maine’s Bluegrass Band!

“A unique banjo style somewhere between old-timey and Scruggs. A lively rhythm guitar that drives a little harder. A sprinkling of mandolin dancing around the melody. Broad vocal harmonies that honor the traditional while remaining fresh. A contagious bassline that perfectly anchors each tune.  All spun together with that one intangible dimension that flows from musicians who are having fun – lots of fun. A sound years in the making: the sound of Pejepscot Station.”

Pejepscot Station is a high-energy bluegrass band comprised of veteran musicians hailing from the mid-coast Maine area.  It features Jim McLaughlin on mandolin, guitar and fiddle,  Stephen “Satch” Hatch on guitar, Cherie “Peachblossom” Howard on bass, Russ Donahue on mandolin and guitar, and Ren Bernier on banjo.  Vocals are shared by all.  Based in the village of Pejepscot (in Topsham, ME), the band has been performing throughout southern Maine since forming in 2011.  Their repertoire is a mix of traditional and contemporary bluegrass, Americana, and some “bluegrassified” favorites thrown in.   Wide vocal harmonies and an informal and relaxed stage presence make for an enjoyable and fun show appropriate for all.

Pejepscot Station started in 1972 when Satch and Ren began noodlin’ around with the banjo and guitar. Later in 1977, “Lonesome” Jim joined up with Ren and the pair performed at a couple venues around campus for no pay and even less respect. Fast forward to July 4th 2011 (Yup, 34 years later), Ren, Satch and Jim got back together for another unpaid gig at the famous July 4th lobster bake in Pejepscot and decided to “get the band back together“.

In January of 2012 Rod Pervier was welcomed into the band with his superb bass and vocals. In the spring of 2013 a new bass player, Cherie, joined Pejepscot Station. Cherie added  her considerable talent and abundant joy to the band – her outstanding bass playing is coupled with her singing of lead and harmony vocals. in August, 2019 ,Russ Donahue joined the band to add depth to the band with his crisp mandolin work and his harmony and lead vocals.

The band in 2016!

 

 

 

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