Woods Tea Company: A Trio Again | Eastern North Carolina Now

For Immediate Release

    Public television favorite Woods Tea Co. is a trio - again. The group will be performing at 8pm on February 18th at the Turnage Theater in Washington, NC.

    Woods Tea Co. has seen many changes in the past few years, starting with the tragic deaths of Rusty Jacobs and Chip Chase. Following these losses, however, have been two bright spots: in 2007, former band mate Tom MacKenzie rejoined the group, and Patti Casey signed on in 2008. Then, in May of 2010, Woods Tea Co saw the retirement of inimitable band member Mike Lussen.

    In light of all these changes, Woods Tea Co has returned to the stability of their roots - a solid trio composed of Howard Wooden, Tom MacKenzie, and Patti Casey. The band spent most of its nearly 30 years performing as a trio, and now more than ever, with its wealth of instrumental and vocal combinations, a trio makes sense. "Really, if you count up all our instruments, we're more like an orchestra than a trio," says Casey.

    With current economic conditions in mind, bandleader Wooden adds, "If we want to flourish and keep the music alive, we've got to be creative, so we are looking at every aspect of our business. From transportation to sound systems, we are developing more efficient and cost-effective methods of delivering our show." And in true Woods Tea Co spirit, MacKenzie says, "Besides loving what we do, we have to be flexible and willing to help to make it all work these days."

    Established in 1981, Woods Tea Co. features a unique style of audience rapport and music with rich vocal harmonies that leaves everyone smiling. The Woods Tea Co.

performs about 100 shows a year, playing at venues ranging from theaters to college auditoriums and churches, offering a diverse show of traditional and original music that

includes Celtic, sea shanties, French Canadian, and Appalachian. Information about this acclaimed musical group can be found at www.woodstea.net.

    Tickets to see the Woods Tea Company at the Turnage Theater are $30 downstairs and in the mezzanine, or $20 in the balcony, and are on sale now at the Turnage Theater box office (150 West Main Street, Washington), over the phone at (252) 975-1191, or online at turnagetheater.com. Senior and group rates are also available, so be sure to inquire when you reserve your seats.

    For further information or an interview:
(800) 270-4384


    The Woods Tea Co. has been together for over 20 years and has made dozens of appearances on Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion. We are pleased to be able to bring this talented trio to Eastern North Carolina audiences on February 18th, and hope that you will share the attached press release with your audience.

    For additional information, contact:
      Katherine Buchholz, Turnage Theater
        (252) 975-1191