Rachel Caviness is one of the most popular musicians in the north Georgia area, playing bass with many groups including Butternut Creek and Friends. Rachel's background is in classical music. After she moved to Hiawasee Georgia she met Ross Brown, the well-known left-handed mountain fiddler, who introduced her to mountain music. She played bass and second fiddle with his group and soon was playing with many bands in the area. For twelve years she sang and played bass, fiddle and piano for The Hiawassee Oprey Band, and continues to play with the Hiawassee Oprey Gospel Quartet, Songtellers, and the blues player, Liz Getze. As a member of the O.T.M. (On the Map) Committee for Hiawassee, she organizes weekly music on the square from late May to early September. She claims that her "favorite thing to do is to jam." Rachel retired from Butternut Creek and Friends in 2007 and we wish her well, but in our hearts she will always be a Nut. |
Don Cordier is the spokesman for the group primarily because he is the only one who can keep all of the names and instruments straight. He has more fun than any of the rest of the band members because most of his instruments are toys: whistles, spoons, a rain stick, automobile backfires, a train whistle, and a dancing wooden doll named Kate. He also plays the flute and various drums including the doumbek and bodhran and occasionally contributes a growl or two on vocals. If the group travels long distances, Don is in charge of getting everyone there safely. He is in charge of the equipment as well, which he hauls and sets up at performances. Don and his wife Jennifer, who is also in the group, live and work out of Ivylog Farm in Young Harris which is the homebase for Butternut Creek and Friends as well. |
Jennifer has been singing and playing folk music for most of her life. With guitar in hand, she sang her way through college during the folk music revival, treasuring those songs that told a story and and touched the heart. In 1993, Jennifer joined several other folk musicians to form the musical group, Butternut Creek and Friends. Since then, the group has become a favorite in the north Gerogia and western North Carolina area. Jennifer sings lead and harmony vocals and plays guitar with the group. In 1995, Jennifer discovered and fell in love with the autoharp. She incorporates the autoharp into her performances and also teaches others how to play this delightful instrument. |
Steve Harvey sings lead and harmony vocals and plays guitar, banjo, and ukulele with the group. He is the author of three books of non-fiction including Bound for Shady Grove a book of personal essays about his experiences learning the music of his adopted home in the Georgia mountains. If he is nuts about anything, it is the banjo which, he likes to point out, his dogs will listen to day or night. He is a regular columnist for Banjo Newsletter and teaches English at Young Harris College. |
Laurie and John Simpson, blind since birth, have been interested in music since childhood. Laurie plays the autoharp, clarinet, concertina, and hurdy-gurdy. John began singing at the age of three and got his first guitar at the age of ten, the same year he began composing songs. In addition to writing songs--many of which are performed by the Butternuts--he plays guitar, mountain dulcimer, penny whistle, and recorder with the group. John and Laurie combined their musical talents to form Strings Attached and, with Peggy Martin, Haggis & Hominy. |
The Canady's are invaluable helpers behind the scenes for Butternut Creek and Friends. Bill helps Don haul and set up equipment and works as the sound man while the group performs. Sue acts as the group's secretary, producing promotional material, selling CDs at performances, and keeping track of the various projects that the band has supported over the years. |