The WellDiggers are a New York based roots-rock, alt-country band that runs the gamut from acoustic folk and blues, to full throttle twanging, electric rock 'n roll. Founded and fronted by singer/songwriter, guitarist, Steve Welner, the band members vary, but include, Rich Lanahan (guitar, mandolin), Don Gabis (bass), Mike Leuci (drums), Jack Gabis (guitar, banjo), and Mike Meehan (bass). Their latest album, "Hope and Fear" (2012) received excellent reviews, and was selected as one of the top 10 albums of the year by, "American Roots UK's", Mike Morrison and by, "Folk 'n Roots" 31NR (96.5) DJ, Colin Fielding. The band started out as a trio named, Fourteen Feet , put together in 1999 in order to record some songs that Steve had written, and to consider playing at some local bars. Before the first album was finished they had expanded to a, "classic 4 piece" (2 guitars, bass, drums) band. Fourteen Feet released 3 albums, "All You Need" (2001), "Running Hearts" (2004), and finally, "Stole Away, The Billy Sessions" (2008), for which Steve was nominated as one of the top 5 songwriters to the Austin, Texas based, "Freeform American Roots" (FAR) charts. The unfortunate passing of band-mate, Billy Cairns shortly before the release of, Stole Away led to a revamped band line-up along with a new name, The WellDiggers. The WellDiggers have received local, New York airplay on FM Stations, WEHM, WRCN, WBAB, and WUSB along with an assortment of college and independent radio stations here and abroad. In addition to their local fan base they have fans as far reaching as the UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, and the Netherlands thanks to online distribution and airplay of their music. They keep a fairly busy schedule of playing shows mostly throughout Long Island, NYC, and upstate New York. Some of the artists that they have shared the stage or recorded with include Pete Seeger, Graham Parker, Levon Helm, Peter Rowan, Eric "Roscoe" Ambel (Del Lords, Steve Earle), Keith Christopher (Georgia Satellites), Chip Robinson (Backsliders), and Rob Arthur (Peter Frampton); to name a few. Upcoming Dates Wednesday, July 9: Harborfront Park Port Jefferson, NY 6:30 pm Thursday, July 10 Crabby Amy's Seaford, NY 6:30 pm Saturday, July 19: Long Beach Super Block Long Beach, NY 4:00 pm Saturday, July 19: RS Jones Merrick, NY 7:30 pm for more dates and details please check the "gigs" page A new album is, "in the works" Recording sessions are taking place for a new album! Check back here and we'll keep you posted. "Hope and Fear"  Please click on the album cover to purchase, Hope and Fear.
"...Excellent album of alt-country rock with good songs and edgy evocative vocals. The WellDiggers are a band that really should be up there with the leading lights of 'alt country' thanks to their individuality and the high quaility of every aspect of this recording that many will envy but very few if any can improve on. 4.5**** (of 5)"... Mike Morrison AmericanRoots UK
"...Love the record, man...will definitely be in my best releases for 2012!!!"... Colin Fieding DJ @ 3INR (96.5 inner fm) "...Right here, our WellDiggers provide authentic as it gets, dosie doe, shit kicking and porch swing swaying down home charm. Welner's chords resonate with warmth and power and recreate a youthful Tom Petty while the band resounds with old time meets Son Volt...these boys do it right"... Doc Blues, LIBS Contact the Band
The WellDiggers are available to play at your house concert, party, festival, musical event, etc.
All bookings please contact: fourteenfeet14@aol.com Facebook/Reverbnation  
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