Walnut Valley Festival, Winfield, Kansas
September 15—19, 2010
The Special Consensus is a nationally know acoustic bluegrass band that began performing in the Midwest in the spring of 1975. Greg Cahill, the leader of the band, plays banjo and sings vocals. He formed the band after performing with several Chicago based bands. The Special Consensus has appeared on the Nashville Network "Fire on the Mountain" show and toured extensively.
Other members of the group include Tim Dishman who plays bass and sings lead, tenor and high baritone vocals. Born in Indiana, his family has roots deeply planted in Alabama and West Virginia. Jamie Clifton plays guitar, and sings lead, tenor and baritone vocals. Jamie was born in Pretty Water, OK, and began playing the guitar at age four and by age six was playing with his family’s bluegrass gospel band. He was a part of The New Tradition before joining The Special Consensus in 2001. Josh Williams plays mandolin and fiddle and sings lead, baritone, bass and tenor vocals. He began playing the banjo at the age of nine and has won many banjo and mandolin championships. Josh has performed with his own bands and has appeared on "Nick News" of the Nickelodeon Network on national television.
During the school year, The Special Consensus offers an informative school presentation through the TAM (Traditional American Music) Program. "Special C" initiated this program which introduces students, teachers and parents to bluegrass music, our own completely American form of traditional music. Their audiences range from primary or secondary schools students to college or general community audiences that include family members of all ages.
The Special Consensus presents a repertoire that includes traditional bluegrass standards, original compositions and songs by contemporary artists from other musical genres. As a result of this musical diversity, The Special Consensus has performed at the most traditional bluegrass festivals but has also been the band to bridge the gap between traditional and "progressive" bands at more diverse festivals and fairs. The Chicago Tribune calls them "truly outstanding and versatile" and Walnut Valley Festival welcomes them back to Winfield!
at hq@wvfest.com for festival info| jump to the top of this page | Walnut Valley Festival Post Office Box 245, 918 Main Winfield, Kansas 67156 (620) 221-3250 |
WV office hours are: Monday — Friday 9 am — Noon; 1 — 5 pm Central time |