The music of the Long Beds has been called everything from country folk to roughneck folk and folk-twang to good old Americana. The band prefers the description given by an audience member after a benefit concert in Perry’s old high school gym: “You sound just like Gordon Lightfoot… only zippier!”

Perry’s songs are a direct reflection of his life growing up in smalltown Wisconsin. Ranging from straight-up twang to churchly harmonies and populated by characters drawn straight from rural and small-town America, they launch from places like the overpass outside Perry’s beloved hometown of New Auburn, Wisconsin (population currently 562), a gospel service in a granary, and the kitchen floor of a woman about to drop a world of hurt on her drunken husband. “I was raised by farmers and preachers and tough country women, and I suppose my songs reflect that,” says Perry. “Then again, certain wisdoms are available only from whistlers, frauds, and sinners, so I try to slide them a line or two as well.”

Band members include backup vocalists and musicians Billy Krause on guitar and banjo, Chuck Roll on bass guitar, and autoharp, and Christopher Ramey on guitar and keyboard, and special guest Andy Dee on guitar and dobro.

Beginning the week of Saturday April 20th, 2013 on Wisconsin Public Radio at 7PM CST and independent radio stations around the country.  Get the Complete Schedule Here here.

[one_third]Backstage Monologue
In this episode’s monologue – delivered from the backstage dressing room with the one lonely little lightbulb burnin’ – Mike explains how he wound up in a band, and what critical advice he once received from a Grammy-winning musician.

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