Musicians
Anthony Viselli
Mandolin, Violin, Vocals
Anthony Viselli grew up in Downeast Maine, immersed in the region’s rich traditional and community-based music scene. He earned degrees in music performance and jazz studies from UMaine and has performed throughout central and coastal Maine for the past twenty years. As band leader of Tough End String Band, Anthony blends traditional and contra dance tunes with bluegrass, jazz, and classical influences. His playing and arrangements are shaped by artists such as David Grisman, Jay Ungar, and Darol Anger, and reflects a deep respect for tradition alongside a curiosity for improvisation and cross-genre exploration. Anthony plays a 2014 Collings MF mandolin, a 1925 Gibson A2Z mandolin, and an early 1900s German violin.
Sam Furth
Guitar
Sam Furth has over 40 years of guitar experience, performing across folk, punk, rock, and jazz traditions. His approach to acoustic guitar is rhythmically driven with thoughtful melodic lines, often infusing rock-inspired patterns and textures into traditional and old-time material. Sam’s playing adds a dynamic edge to Tough End String Band, bridging groove-oriented accompaniment with thoughtful harmonic support. He enjoys reimagining familiar tunes in fresh ways while staying grounded in the spirit of the music. Sam plays Gibson 2010s and a 1940s J45 guitar.
Susan Elias
Upright Bass, vocals
Susan Elias on upright bass anchors the Tough End String Band out of Orono as well as Seagrass out of southern Maine. Raised in a music-filled household, she was exposed to styles ranging from Benny Goodman and Willie Nelson to Del McCoury and Oingo Boingo. Susan played clarinet as a youth, then took up bass at 317 Main Street Community Music Center in Yarmouth with instructors Amanda Kowalski, Steve Roy, and Carter Logan, returning to performance in the 2010s. Susan brings warmth, drive, and a deep love of the instrument to her ensembles. Susan plays a 1979 Engelhardt bass.