A huge crowd filled the Hungarian Hall, Dec. 5 to see Regina based bluegrass quartet the Dead South and to celebrate promoter Lorinda Peel’s birthday.

 The band, dressed identically in work shirts, long hair and flat brimmed hats had an Amish look about them, but were happy to supply the soundtrack for a fun filled, alcohol fuelled party, which had the audience clustered in front of the stage, whooping, hollering and dancing the night away.

Cellist Danny Kenyon wore his instrument around his neck and plucked it like an electric bass, which was something I hadn’t seen before.

Nate Hilts -(Guitar/Vocals); Scott Pringle ( Mandolin/Guitar/Backup Vocals) and banjo player Colton Crawford -effortlessly switched instruments in between songs,  displaying exceptional musicianship on all of their instruments.

They had a gripping stage presence, smiling and dancing as they harmonized with each other.

 Vocally they reminded me a lot of Elliott Brood with more vocal harmonies and a a little more bluegrass.

 They wound down their first set with  a couple of bluegrass classics like “ Rolling in My Sweet Baby’s Arms,” as well as an outstandingly catchy original “ Bastard Son.”