The Beacon - Noxubee County, MS

May 24, 2012

Macon native Faser Hardin will lead his band “NYCity Slickers” when they perform their “Big Apple Bluegrass” at the upcoming Mississippi Picnic in New York’s Central Park.

The Slickers were formed by Hardin and his wife, Annie Chadwick, a Jackson, Miss. native. Other members of the band include their daughter, Abigail Hardin, Andrew Baird, Doug Drewes, Kim Harris, Jens Kramer, and Greg Utzig. They also call on family members with songwriting talents from back home in Mississippi – Vernon Chadwick of Oxford, and Reeves Jones of Canton.

The annual Mississippi Picnic will draw thousands to Central Park on Saturday, June 9. Hardin’s band will perform at noon at the Central Park band shell on 72nd Street.

Hardin says the band was formed in 2008, inspired by the genuine love of their Mississippi roots and authentic American roots music. They regularly play around New York City at such locations as Rockwood Music Hall and Rodeo Bar. “We’ve enjoyed our success here, but it’s exciting to get to play for the folks from back home,” he said.

The Mississippi Picnic began back in 1979 when a group of expatriates gathered in Central Park to celebrate with friends and relatives from the Magnolia State. The day has often included a catfish cooking team from Mississippi.

The NYCity Slickers launched their debut CD “Layin’ It Down” in 2011, an eclectic mix of musical styles that has become characteristic of their signature sound. The recording has 13 songs, eight of which are original. It features tunes that range in style from traditional bluegrass and Delta blues to progressive bluegrass pop. It was recorded at Dubway Studios in New York City. The album is available through iTunes, Amazon, and NYCitySlickers.com. You can see the band in action on YouTube. .To learn more about the Mississippi Picnic, go to www.nymspicnic.com.