...has been entertaining audiences throughout the northwest in one form or another for more than 15 years.  We play a wide range of  music - from traditional bluegrass and gospel to our own versions of popular, country, folk, and even rock, with a sprinkling of the "specialty tunes" that have become part of our trademark - all in a style that has evolved out of but not too far from our bluegrass roots.  We think music is a part of life and life is meant to be celebrated.  We have a lot of fun on stage and it usually rubs off on our audiences.

We play festivals, private functions, the occasional high class commercial establishment, and we put on a special show of our own now and then just 'cause we like to.  If you'd like to come hear us, check out our Gigs page.  And if you'd like to throw caution to the wind and actually hire us, our musician - in  - charge - of - bookings - and - other - annoying - paperwork is our mandolin player, Loren Ford, who can be reached by cell phone at 503-314-3995 or by email at lorenford48@hotmail.com.

Judy Arter, Fiddle

Loren Ford, Mandolin

Judy played classical violin in high school then took a long hiatus for a degree, kids, and an income.  She came back to her senses in 1981 reincarnated as a student fiddler in a Country, Folk and Bluegrass class.  She has been playing bluegrass and old time music ever since and also has a large repertoire of squeaks, knocks, and other sound effects which she swears she makes on purpose.  Judy is in charge of the band's many props and has developed a specialty in hats. She is the member most in touch with her inner wierdness.

Fondly known to insiders as "Mr. Memory,"  Loren spends about half his time in the here and now and the other half in the there and then, but it's cool because he almost always comes back with good stuff.   Loren has been playing mandolin from puberty (his, not its) and has since added pennywhistle, fiddle, harmonica, and - most recently - frailing banjo to his instrumental repertoire.  As a personal challenge he's got a streak going:  7 consecutive instruments purchased before Leslie knew anything about them and still no divorce. Loren loves his wife.

A Few Flattering Comments

I know you play all over, I hope this turns out to be your most memorable event of 2005. Thanks for wanting to be a part of it.  Dave Bliss, American Music Festival

I'm glad I caught your set (and finally found out what the Zydeco tie was all about).  You guys are very entertaining and I like the humorous side of your band.  I've played your CD about five times and like it more each time.  I especially liked "Would You Like To Play In a Band?"  Very creative and I'm assuming, very true.  ~ Chris Palmer, River City Bluegrass Festival

I just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed your shows at the Scott Valley Fest.  It was a real pleasure sharing the stage with a band like NSA.  ~  Dave Gooding, Donner Mt. BG Band

I don't know any other band that puts so much prep and planning into their shows. . .  the result is Entertainment with a capital "E"!  ~  George McKnight, Uptown Bluegrass

You guys were quite an act to follow -- so entertaining -- the bedpans were quite the fashion statement -- and not a bad idea to have a light on the end of them.  For those not in the know, these guys did quite a number about the sewer workers, and performed it in costume with antics including headgear and headlights from bedpans!).  I mean really, how do you follow that?  ~  Deb Brinkerhoff, Sequoia

 No Strings Attached have such a great sense of humor and they really connect with the audience.  I love watching that group.  And when they get serious, they get darned serious.  ~  Ken Cartwright, Producer of Music on the Mountain and OBA President

We were sitting in the audience Saturday night while No Strings Attached was playing and heard someone say "This band is worth the cost of the whole day!". . .  I would have to agree.  ~  Gene Bach, Producer of the Scott Valley BG Festival

I enjoyed talking to you (albeit briefly), and I really enjoyed your Saturday set, especially the sense of joy and fun that you all bring to the music.  ~  David Hargreaves, Lost Dog


The One Complaint

I have a teensy bone to pick with NSA.  The week after the Music on the Mountain festival, I was building a deck onto my house.  Of course my empty mind had to fill itself up with something to make the work less tedious.  You'll never guess what ended up in there.  That's right:  "Down Belowwwww, Down Belowwwwww" over and over and over as I pounded nails and screwed in screws.  Made me feel like a sewer worker.  ~  Jim Rooks