Tough End String Band

The Tough End String Band serves up a spicy-hot acoustic brew concocted in Orono’s historically notorious Tough End neighborhood. This photo, courtesy of the Orono Historic Society, is from the late 1800s and shows the binding power of music and industry in the area. We like to feel we are continuing this long standing tradition.

This group has fun entertaining audiences with the diversity of its selections: a tango evolves into surf rock; some 1930’s jazz song might follow a traditional fiddle medley; or a bluegrass tune is juxtaposed with White Stripes. 

Formed almost 10 years ago in the lively pub scene that has re-emerged in Orono’s Tough End (a century after the area was filled with musicians, mills, taverns, and brothels), the band has expanded its performances to festivals, fairs, receptions, and other venues. In addition, it has produced three studio-recorded albums – and, during the pandemic, two full-length, online-concert videos.

TESB is in a transitioning time. We are sad to see the recent passing  of its founding bass player and member, Paul Riechmann but we continue to make music in his memory. The current TESB members include Anthony Viselli on fiddle and mandolin, Sam Furth on Guitar, and Susan Elias on upright bass.