The Atkinsons

The Atkinsons are a family band, rooted in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. They play a style all their own, an acoustic genre of bluegrass, Americana and folk music with a refreshing sound. Their original songs tell the stories of their lives in the northern mountains of the Adirondacks. 

Dick Atkinson is the patriarch of the family. He began an interest in acoustic bluegrass music at a young age. His father introduced him to bluegrass with the sounds of Flatt and Scruggs, Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers and to traditional country music, with the songs of Jimmy Rogers, Hank Williams, Sr., Ernie Tubb, and Roy Acuff to name a few. He leads the band with his syncopated banjo playing. 

Shelene Atkinson is the matriarch of the family, playing rhythm guitar, and singing lead and harmony. Shelene started playing guitar and singing after the children were grown. When the children were growing up, she spent her time listening to Emmy Lou Harris, Linda Rondstat, New Grass Revival with John Cowan, and other acoustic music. 

Liza Atkinson has been performing and loving it since she was a small child. She plays mandolin and rhythm guitar, and sings lead and harmony vocals.

Sara Atkinson plays bass, joining her sister and mother singing some lead and harmony vocals to make a unique three part female vocal sound. 

Raven Atkinson-Winters is the first grandchild of Shelene and Dick to join them on stage. Starting in 2021, she picked up the mandolin but has always loved the music and has been going to shows and festivals since she was born.

Dave Bevins’ dobro playing will stand up to any player in the country. He is a north country man and finds his roots in the Adirondack Mountains, like the Atkinsons. Dave is a part of the family!

 "[The Atkinsons] possess a special vocal blend that deserves to be heard. They sing with power and conviction. I'm proud to call them neighbors." --Eric Gibson of the Gibson Brothers

"The Atkinsons are a very traditional bluegrass band yet having their own original stamp to their music with vocals only achievable by a family group. They present a high energy stage show and a sound that is a joy to hear --a must see for the bluegrass enthusiast!" --Junior Barber

"Just a few short years ago a talented, audience grabbing bluegrass band appeared from out of nowhere… The Atkinson Family, talented musicians and singers committed to preserving traditional bluegrass ballads, instrumentals and gospel songs." --Bill Knowlton, host of "Bluegrass Ramble" on WCNY-FM

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by CNY Arts.

This project is made possible with funds from the Tier Three Project Support program, a regrant program of the County of Onondaga with the support of the County Executive and administered by CNY Arts.

  ~ This project is also made possible through the support and generosity of our Folkus members. ~