Bill Reedy and the Smokin' Cattails

Since the 1960s, Chicago's north side has been home to a vibrant community of acoustic music lovers. Song circles, open mikes, and bluegrass jams happen virtually every day of the week in clubs, parks and block parties. In 2006, Bill Reedy completed his CD, "Stop and Smell the Roses" and begain to recruit players from this rich artistic environment to present his music to the public onstage. What began as a talent search turned into an ongoing process of collaboration and discovery between some very special people with deep committments to each other and to their community. Here are some facts about the current lineup:

William Reedy's first professional appearance was in 1968 with brother John at the very first Reedy Brothers show. In the 1970s William formed a folk duo with Laura DeLise known as Some People's Kids, who played shows in Chicago and northern Illinois. During this time he began studying with Elgin Symphony Orchestra composer and bassist Jeff Czech. In 1979 and through the 80s and 90s, a series of collaborations with John Reedy began, including High Time, Mojophonix, and of course the Reedy Brothers. During this time William also made numerous appearances on bass and guitar with vocalist Kathryn Gauthier. Bill currently lives in Chicago with his wife, artist Josephine Vignettes, who designed the distinctive Cattails logo.

Terry Davis on banjo and vocals, is a folksinger activist in the tradition of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. 

Bob Huston on bass, guitar and vocals is a veteran Chicago musician who also plays with Annalise and the Backsliders..

Mike Kearns on mandolin also plays with Chicago bluegrass veterans, Dimestore.