The Tallboys String Band
Performing fiddle tunes and songs from the late 1800’s through 1930’s, this original format of The Tallboys features all-acoustic instrumentation and a tight, authentic string band sound. Performing a variety of old time fiddle tunes from Appalachia and the mid-west, country blues, hokum songs, and early country, they’re sound is great for both listening and dancing! Their resident flatfooter & dance caller, Charmaine Slaven, adds a unique dance element to this group, enabling groups of both beginners and experienced dancers to enjoy some time on the dance floor.
Rhythm Guitar, Vocals, Flatfooting, Square Dance Calling
Originally from Stevensville, MT, Charmaine joined up with the Tallboys in 2005, after falling in love with Old-Time music and dance. She’s our resident dance caller & flatfoot dancer, and has gained a great reputation for her fun and engaging method of getting folks dancing. Variety is the spice of life, and in addition to performing with The Tallboys and Squirrel Butter, she has accomplished a myriad of projects, including urban farming, founding a co-op, event planning, & community organizing.
Bass, Vocals
Originally from Oregon, John has been playing music since age nine. After playing bass in myriad rock, jazz, mathcore, funk, shoegaze, bluegrass, and many other bands he was lucky enough to be present at the formation of The Tallboys, a band that he describes as his most satisfying musical project to date. In his spare time he enjoys singing and playing fiddle and accordion with his wife, Justine, in their duo The Stellar Jays.
Fiddle, Vocals
Joe Fulton grew up in Iowa, and has been playing fiddle since boyhood. A founding member of The Tallboys, Joe’s impressive fiddling is the signature sound of The Tallboys string band. He is a frequent busker at the Pike Place Market.
Banjo, Fiddle, Vocals, Songwriting
Born and raised in Indiana, Charlie moved to Seattle in 2000 where he became a founding member & creative force of The Tallboys. Charlie also performs as a duo with his wife, Charmaine Slaven, called Squirrel Butter. An avid songwriter, he has recorded three albums of his own original and traditional music. Charlie is a dazzling and versatile banjo player, and he is also accomplished on fiddle, guitar, lap & pedal steel. Aside from music performance, he is currently producing and directing his own original screenplay, Squirrel Butter the Movie.
