The Rusty String Express - Acoustic Band - Oakland, CA - Hero Main
The Rusty String Express - Acoustic Band - Oakland, CA - Hero Gallery 1
The Rusty String Express - Acoustic Band - Oakland, CA - Hero Gallery 2
The Rusty String Express - Acoustic Band - Oakland, CA - Hero Gallery 3
The Rusty String Express - Acoustic Band - Oakland, CA - Hero Gallery 4

The Rusty String Express Acoustic Band from Oakland, CA

Will travel up to 500 miles

  • Avg 5.0 | 19 Reviews
  • 27 Verified Bookings
  • Member Since 2013
  • 3 Awards & Badges
  • Virtual Services Offered
  • Accepts Online Payment
  • Starting at $400 per event

About Vendor 

Learn more about this vendor for your event.

The Rusty String Express celebrates string band traditions of the past while stretching into the unknown. Creating original music with unique and familiar flavors - The RSE is an exciting mash up of acoustic excitement, bubbling creativity, and excellent musicianship. Best of all are the original tunes coming out of this creative quartet. Aaron Balano on dobro, Alison Bailey Streich on violin, Greg Dunn on bass and Joe Ridout on guitar. These four magnetic musicians run the gamut with their playing, and all four are masterful wielders of their instruments. Their music ranges from sensitive and soulful interpretations, to wild and unexpected music you've never heard before. Their repertoire is very original, with each member contributing unique compositions. Interspersed throughout their set are exciting versions of tunes the listener has heard before. They tip their collective hat to Thelonius Monk, Dave Brubeck, The Meters, Duke Ellington, Django Reinhardt, Van Morrison, The Cramps....and, of course, a handful of ragtime, Irish, old time, bluegrass and American tunes. There's something for everyone! Equally at home on stage in a concert venue, or at a party in a client's backyard, The Rusty String Express provides the perfect music for any setting. And these four pro players are able to rise and rock at the break of dawn, or play late into the wee hours. Or both! Any place that needs music....The Rusty String Express is ready to go!

Reviews 

Check out these verified reviews from bookings on The Bash.

Avg 5.0 | 19 Reviews

See all 19 Reviews

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Review by Jerry R.

Birthday Party (Adult)Reviewed on February 29, 2016From Alameda, CA

My wife and I booked RSE to play our co-50th Birthday party. What a great decision! Allison and the band were extremely professional and collaborative and immediately understood our objectives for the event. We were seeking music occupying that elusive sweet spot between background music and full blown wedding/party band and RSE delivered. The musicianship was first rate with the band playing songs ranging from traditional Irish tunes and Van Morrison to Herbie Hancock and The Violent Femmes. Our guests, including musician friends, thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment but were still able to connect with friends and converse throughout the evening.

Review by Michele P.

Wedding ReceptionReviewed on August 28, 2014From Big Sur, CA

ABSOLUTELY THE PERFECT STRING BAND!!! From start to finish, the The Rusty String Express were JAMMING, accommodating, excellent communicators, and even learned a special song to make our day truly magical. It felt like having really good friends at our wedding performing and we were sincerely grateful for how they took care of us. They went above and beyond to help us out! We recommend this band for ANY occasion and will hire them again someday!

Review by Mark M.

WeddingReviewed on June 6, 2014From Sonoma, CA

I cannot say enough good things about the Rusty String Express!!! They performed for the first 2/3 of our wedding including a ceremony where they performed a song that requested they learn alongside a friend of ours who is a singer. They well exceeded our expectations in learning the song and rehearsing it with our friend so that it was perfected by the time of ceremony. The music that they played throughout the rest of the wedding was perfection and I would highly recommend them to anyone!!!

Awards & Badges 

See why this vendor is top rated on The Bash.

Song List 

Get a feel for the songs performed by this vendor. Contact them directly for special requests.

  • Sea Pod | Balano
  • Behind The Green Shed | Dunn
  • Chalet of Lies | Streich
  • Goo Goo Muck | The Cramps
  • Fourth Dimension | The Rusty String Express
  • Toothless | Balano
  • Hubba Royale | Balano
  • Marty's Jig | Streich
  • Lapel | Balano
  • Rasputin's Reel | Streich
  • Boyfiend | Streich
  • Birthday Suit | Streich
  • Bow Legged | The Rusty String Express
  • Don't Get Around Much Anymore | Ellington
  • Planxty Irwin | O'Carolan
  • Caravan | Tizol
  • Cantaloupe Island | Hancock
  • Over The Waterfall | Trad. Bluegrass
  • Take Five | Brubeck
  • Pig Ankle Rag | Trad. Tag
  • Red Apple Rag | Trad. Rag
  • Moondance | Morrison
  • Manpanion | Streich
  • Things Ain't What They Used To Be | Ellington
  • Zapolito Mojado | Trad.
  • Swallowtail | Trad. Irish
  • Midnight in Moscow | Trad. Russian
  • Canon in D | Pachelbel
  • Cissy Strut | The Meters
  • Footprints | Shorter
  • Old Joe Clark/Cluck Old Hen | Trad. Bluegrass
  • Harvest Home | Trad. Irish
  • Ladies Quadrille | American

Booked Events 

: The Bash Verified Bookings

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events

Past Events

July 20, 2019 • Wedding
Sat5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Yosemite National Park, CA
October 20, 2018 • Wedding Reception
Sat7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Napa, CA
October 15, 2018 • Celebration
Mon4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Pleasant Hill, CA
September 23, 2018 • Wedding
Sun12:30 PM - 4:30 PM Sausalito, CA
August 3, 2018 • Wedding Reception
Fri5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Orinda, CA
May 25, 2018 • Event
Fri6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Napa, CA
October 14, 2017 • Wedding Reception
Sat2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Mendocino, CA
September 30, 2017 • Wedding
Sat3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Healdsburg, CA
September 16, 2017 • Wedding Ceremony
Sat3:30 PM - 6:30 PM Petaluma, CA
August 12, 2017 • Celebration
Sat6:30 PM - 8:30 PM San Francisco, CA
March 16, 2017 • Birthday Party (Adult)
Thu5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Greenbrae, CA
September 11, 2016 • Dinner Dance
Sun2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Oakland, CA

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