Twelth Louisiana String Band have been entertaining the masses for many, many years now. And their well honed sound has graced the stage and dance floor of many a hoopin' and hollerin' dance night. When they hit the stage with their blend of Celtic and Southern flare, there ain't no way you're gonna be able to sit still.

The band began in 1989 with a group of musically talented reenactos of the War Between the States. At night around the campfire, these men simply did what came naturally and brought out instruments for entertainment. Of course a crowd would gather, and usually a dance broke out. In the spring of 1990, a reenactment committee offered money for them to play for a dance at their reenactment, and as they say, the rest is history.

Since their humble beginnings, the band has recorded two cassette tapes of music and one CD. Songs of the Celtic South, Southern Songs of Love and War and Songs of the Southern Highlands have been well received. A review in Southern Heritage Magazine states, "Here is a lively bunch of Southern gents who revel in their Celtic history." Their music is true to their roots and often includes both the original words brought over the sea, and the newer Southern version.

The music predates 1865, and includes many favorite songs of the period, mostly with a Celtic origin and hoe-down flavor. They have played many premier reenacting events in the South including Selma, Alabama, Champion's Hill, Mississippi and Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. The group has performed for Burn's Night festivities in Baton Rouge, and the Scottish Games and Celtic Festivals in Biloxi, Mississippi and Shreveport, Louisiana. They have also played for authentic wedding cereminies and Confederate Balls in different locations. The band has a dance mistress who teaches many of the authentic dances of the Victorian Period including English country dances and Irish and Scottish set dances.

The 12th Louisiana String Band is well known for the authentic balls and dances where they entertain. The atmosphere is magical with the candelabra suspended over the crowd as they stomp or twirl through the dances. The musicians work without amplification or artificial light. In the lovely light of candles, the smiling faces of the dancers can be seen, and few "wallflowers" are noted. The magic the band creates is infectious, and pretty soon, everyone is on their feet whoopin', hollerin' and DANCIN'!

This fine group currently consists of Frank Walsh on lead vocals and fiddle; Bill Caldwell on violin; Gordon Massengale on "old style" banjo; Bill Conly (also leader of the Irish band The Conlys) on guitar; Belinda Massengale on percussion, guitar, background vocals and dance floor instruction; Charles Johnston on string bass and harmonies; Jude Brand, resident Cajun and player of just about anything with strings. Belinda Massengale serves as dance mistress and business manager.

The excitement of their performances has been beautifully captured on their various recordings, and make a great addition to your music collection.

Songs of the Southern Highlands CD Only (15.00)
Scots Wha Hae / Confederate Song Scotland the Brave Skye Boat Song Loch Lomand Star of the County Down Sound the Pibrough Si Bheag, Si Mhor Annir Laurie Comin Through the Rye Soldiers Joy Wild Mountain Thyme Bonnie Blue Bonnets Uncle Joe Hard Times Brennan on the Moor / Charlie Quantrill Cotton Eyed Joe Crested Hens State of Arkansas Long Sought Home
Southern Songs of Love and War CD and Cassette	Songs of the Celtic South CD Only (15.00)
Dixie / Bonnie Blue Flag Come Dearest the Daylight is Gone The Gal I Left Behind Me Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms Sally Goodin All Quiet Along the Potomac Tonight Arkansas Traveler Lynchburg Town Shenandoah Battle Cry of Freedom Flow Gently, Sweet Afton John Brown's March Lorena Louisiana Gals Battle of Shiloh Hill Turkey in the Straw Amazing Grace	Riding a Raid / Bonnie Dundee John Riley Virginia Reel / Cumberland Gap Rosin the Beau Hound Dog Song Green Grows the Laurel Rose of Alabama Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes Old Joe Clark Shady Grove Auld Land Syne