French Broad Playboys

The French Broad Playboys is a western swing and honky-tonk band that began playing around Asheville in 2010. Mainly performing at local bars and the Biltmore Estate, they were also a featured dance band at Merlefest in 2014.

Comprised of singer/guitarist Parrish Ellis, violinist/singer Steve Trismen, harmonica player Jim Aaron, steel guitarist Scott Sharpe, electric mandolin/fiddle player Adam Tanner, drummer Evan Martin, and a rotating list of upright bassists including Zack Page, Andrew Platt and Kevin Kehrberg; the band draws inspiration from multiple sources including Texas/Oklahoma western swing, classic honky-tonk, and New Orleans ragtime and dixieland jazz.

Embracing the 1930s, 40s and 50s western swing sounds and danceable rhythms, the FBPs play songs by American country music legends Hank Williams Sr., George Jones, Bob Wills, Merle Haggard, Milton Brown, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Merle Travis, and Lefty Frizzell. Providing their own PA sound system, The FBPs are an excellent dance band for private parties and weddings.