On Saturday, March 13th at 8pm, the Watchung Arts Center is pleased to present the pure sound of stringed instruments with vocals in perfect harmony brought to you by String Fever. String Fever is a band from central New Jersey performing an eclectic mix of musical styles ranging from bluegrass and folk to country and swing. The members-Peter Becker on mandolin, Ridley Enslow on fiddle, Bruce Jepson on guitar(those of you exploring music centers may know Bruce as the guitar repairman and all round help at Piano’s Plus), Sandy Joren (a current Board Member of the Watchung Arts Center)on bass and Mickey Maguire on Banjo. They all have diverse musical backgrounds and are seasoned performers. The tight three and four-part harmonies give the band its’ distinctive sound, a sound augmented by a number of acoustic instruments including five-string banjo and resophonic guitar.

String Fever played to critical acclaim at the Annual Clearwater Festival at Sandy Hook, NJ. Peter Spencer of The Star Ledger wrote, "The bluegrass/newgrass/new acoustic quartet String Fever offered a tuneful mix of well-crafted original songs and jazzy soloing for fiddle and mandolin. Their set was particularly refreshing."

String Fever enjoyed a second place title in the 1997 New York City Bluegrass Festival. The band has shared the stage with such acts as The Seldom Scene, Skyline and Bob Paisley and Southern Grass. They were featured on WCBS television news as they performed for the mayor at the re-opening of The Great Lawn in Central Park. They were also seen on CNN, WABC News and heard on 1010 WINS and News Radio 88.

A String Fever show is a well-paced blend of the old traditional bluegrass and fiddle tunes and the new, including original music and songs from a number of modern tunesmiths. The setting of the Watchung Arts Center allows the audience to interact with the performers and see the intricate picking while getting a great look at some unusual stringed instruments. As always there will be light refreshments at intermission along with a chance to speak to the performers. Tickets are $10 and reservations are recommended and can be made by calling ahead (908) 753-0190. Tickets will be held at the door for you. We guarantee this to be a foot stomping evening of fun.