The Ragbirds began with songwriter, violinist/multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Erin Zindle and percussionist Randall Moore. With a love for world music and a desire to weave these
distant sounds into more familiar genres, they began recording The Ragbirds debut CD, Yes Nearby as they searched for musicians who shared their vision. They joined with guitarist/vocalist Adam Labeaux and bassist Jeff Stinson who added their skills to the project. Along the way they added percussionist Tim Dziekan and the band developed
the sound they envisioned, combining these global and modern elements.
In April 2005, The Ragbirds released Yes Nearby, an independent full-length album consisting of 12 well-crafted songs. The CD won rave reviews from local and regional press and currently has sold over 1,500 copies. In February 2006 as the band grew more deeply rooted in their hometown of
Ypsilanti, MI they followed up their debut with a live album called Catching Fire, which captures their intense live performance experience.
Led by dynamic, exhuberant and entertaining front-woman Zindle, The Ragbirds use many traditional folk instruments including violin, mandolin, banjo, accordion, acoustic and electric guitars, and harmonica. But the music goes beyond folk, incorporating Celtic, Gypsy, Mid-Eastern, African and Latin styles, with a strong rhythm
foundation of bass, drumset, conga, djembe and percussion. Erin's warm vocals and fiery violin playing combine with tight harmonies and interlocking melodies to create a sound that is
truly The Ragbirds own. The effect is positive and poetic music with the power of danceable rhythm.
The Ragbirds can be seen performing all over the Michigan music scene and beyond, spreading in widening circles from Ohio to Chicago to New York and further into the Mid-West, stirring up
a buzz everywhere they go. They have performed at countless clubs, pubs and venues, including The Blind Pig (Ann Arbor), the Temple Club (Lansing), The Ark (Ann Arbor), Bells Brewery (Kalamazoo), The Magic Stick (Detroit), Mickey Finns (Toledo),
The Trinity House Theater (Livonia), Wise Fools Pub (Chicago) Union St. Station (Traverse City) They have shared the stage with regional and national acts such as Brothers Past, Tea Leaf Green, Ember Swift and more.
In the summer of 2006, The Ragbirds enjoyed their busiest season yet and performed at numerous prestigous festivals including Wheatland, Dunegrass, and Beaver Island with featured artists such as Hot Tuna, Tony Rice, Greg Brown, Cornmeal, Steppin' In It, Iris Dement, Seth Bernard & Daisy May, and more.
Along with their heavy touring schedule, The Ragbirds also perform public events, fundraisers and benefit concerts. They can be heard on local and regional radio and read about in regional
papers and online reviews. Over the last two years the band has developed a large, loyal and growing fan base who often travel great distances to see them play. The Ragbirds unique and high energy fusion of roots folk, world-groove, and pop-rock sensibility gets audiences of all ages and sizes up and dancing.
