“When we came together as a group, we decided it wasn’t going to be straight bluegrass,” Renay Eng-Fisher of the June Bugs maintains.
And true to that, The June Bugs represent a meld of different styles and genres – folk, blues, swing, country, even gospel. With ethereal harmonies and a euphonious blend of mandolin, upright bass, guitar, autoharp and the occasional violin, The June Bugs are a melodic force to be reckoned with.
Along with Sue Anne Borer, Tim Babey, Sandy Hirth and occasionally Scott Duncan, Eng-Fisher said they each bring their own unique musical background to the table. She believes it’s a shared respect of difference that characterizes The June Bugs’ creative dynamic. “I believe it’s really important as a group to share those ideas and that you’re respectful.”
She contends that although bluegrass may sound simple to play, “it’s the groove and the feel, and the nuances in the music,” that makes a good bluegrass musician.
In writing their songs, Eng-Fisher hopes that they can bring “with humour, with sentimentality, with love” in performing.
Tickets to The June Bugs’ March 28 show at the Legacy Guitar and Coffee House can be purchased at junebugs.zoobis.com.
