The Dyer Switch Band plays hard-driving traditional, original and unique bluegrass, and acoustic music, and more.
Dyer Switch was inducted into the New York State Country Music Hall of Fame and nominated for five consecutive years as Bluegrass Band of the Year by the Northeast Country Music Association. In 1998 , “Gotta Feelin’,” from the band’s third recording, “American Airwaves,” was nominated for “Song of the Year” by the Northeast CMA. Dyer Switch has received considerable airplay in North America and Europe, and a song that band members JoAnn Sifo and Bob Bates wrote called ‘Silver and Gold’ was number one on the European country charts. Bob Bates performed on the Grand Ole Opry with Charlie Louvin (Louvin Brothers) for 2 years. The band has been featured on Northeast Public Radio and has opened for Ralph Stanley and for the Larry Stephenson band. This versatile, engaging band with dynamic stage presence has captivated audiences throughout the Northeast, Midwest and the South at festivals, clubs, coffeehouses, fairs and live radio shows. The band brings together hard-driving renditions of traditional tunes from first-generation bluegrass giants like Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, their own powerful originals and fresh and innovative versions of songs from other genres. The band’s fifth recording, “In The Spotlight of the Moon” on Independence Records, showcases the distinctive song writing talents, vocal and instrumental versatility of the four members. Dyer Switch’s original composition, “Just Can’t Stay”, charted the Bluegrass Music Charts shortly after its release.
A Bluegrass Unlimited review of Dyer Switch Band said: “The Dyer Switch Band has created a masterful recording that beautifully showcases their mesmeric charm.” – Les McIntyre. Bluegrass Unlimited. A sampling of the many bluegrass festivals at which Dyer Switch has played includes the Frankfort Bluegrass Festival in Indiana, Central Indiana Festival at Bean Blossom, the Tri State Bluegrass Festival in Kendallville, Indiana, the Stringbean Festival in Kentucky, the Central Virginia and Eastern North Carolina Festivals, the Pocono Mountain Festival in Pennsylvania, the Peaceful Valley Festival in New York, the Lake Champlain Festival in Vermont, the Oxford Festival in Maine, Country Stage Music Park in Nova, Ohio and the Prairieland Festival in Illinois. The band has also performed at many other bluegrass festivals and venues across New England, the Midwest and the South, and has been featured on many radio stations in its travels. Dyer Switch Band….Pick It Up!!!!