The Old Porch Band formed in 2006 when Sue and Jo joined what was the Old Porch Boys. The girls were brought in to add glamour according to John!! but they hope it was also for the fiddle, feet and vocals!
John Phillips
John provides lead and harmony vocals for the OPB. He plays mainly banjo and guitar in the band but has been known to grab the double bass when Simon isn't looking!!
John has played in the Devon folk music scene for as long as he can remember and brings a wealth of talent and knowledge to the band. His music is influenced by Steve Earle, Guy Clark, Sam Baker and John Prine and the band perform many songs from these artists. John also plays solo and with his son around the folk clubs and with Alive & Kicking. John and Simon also play in a local rock band.
Alan Howlett
Alan plays just about every instrument! In the band he concentrates on sympathetic harmonies on the melodeon and bluegrass mandolin licks. He is in demand as a backing musician by many of the folk musicians in the area. Alan also plays for Alive & Kicking and the Pete Mac Band.
Alan acts as our manager and makes sure we are at the right place at the right time!!
Simon Fisk
Simon is the most important member of OPB as he understands the PA!! As well as sorting the sound he is a brilliant musician. He plays stunning lead guitar when he is released from anchoring the band with the acoustic bass. He's no mean mandolinist either and then there's the mandola……...and the harmony vocals!! Simon is a great fan of Bruce Springsteen and our set list always has many of Bruce’s songs.
Meg Compton
Meg joined the band in Spring 2009 following Graham's departure. Meg has a wonderful voice - deep, clear and mellow all at once. Her voice is a perfect foil for John's and they are now sharing lead and harmony vocals. Meg also plays the guitar and is learning the bass, much to Simon's relief!!
Sue Mentz
Sue has been on the fiddle in the OPB since 2006, adding lovely fiddle breaks and accompaniment which have greatly enriched the sound of the band, and added to their repertoire. Sue tries to keep the boys under control and maintains the website. Sue also plays for Alive & Kicking and the Pete Mac Band. Sue performs regularly as a soloist and with Jo in the local folk clubs.
Jo Wright
Jo provides exciting and skilled foot percussion for the OPB giving an added dimension to many of the OPB songs. She also produces the OPB publicity. Jo is the leader of Alive & Kicking Appalachian Clog Team who can be seen around festivals in the South West.
She visits the USA regularly as a guest performer with FiddleKicks Appalachian Cloggers. Jo also performs solo flatfooting and Cape Breton step dancing at folk clubs in the area.
