The Bing Brothers featuring Jake Krack and their old-time tradition

The Bing Brothers’ Hoedown – photo by J. Stoller

What’s better than an old-timey string band? An old-timey string band at a hoedown! When The Bing Brothers perform, it’s a participatory event. Hailing from Marlinton and Huntington, West Virginia, the serious jams of this 100% authentic old-time string band naturally lends itself (I would say demands) a country square dance complete with caller. Old time music is a rural American string band tradition that was born in Colonial times from the meeting of the African banjo and European fiddle. These traditional continue today in Appalachian mountain communities.

The Bing Brothers Featuring Jake Krack “Handsome Molly” live @ Appalachian Rising ’13 – by Christopher Harper

Mike and Tim Bing first played together, on mandolin and banjo, in 1974. They had grown up raising hogs, with music a key part of their lives, from singing on their family’s porch to seeing legendary Flatt & Scroggs perform locally.

They built up a large repertoire of old-time music and 40 years later, they’re still going strong. Tim has been named West Virginia State Champion on the banjo for 14 years, and Mike is founder of Allegheny Echoes Summer Workshops, teaching traditional music for 22 years. They’ve been recognized by the state for their lifetime contribution to West Virginia’s traditional culture.

Since 2002, The Bing Brothers has featured Bob Lieving on guitar and Tim Corbett on bass. Jake Krack has been their fiddler since 2010, and the band is a four-time winner of Best All Around Performer at the Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention. They’ve toured the U.S. and Canada, Europe and Australia, and even performed on Broadway. They’re extremely versatile, playing songs in old time and bluegrass, in addition to traditional Irish songs and ragtime pieces.

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