The Gawler Family brings you a delightful assortment of songs and tunes rooted in the traditional music of Maine and the Northeast. John and Ellen, together with their daughters Molly, Edith, Elsie, and “brother” Bennett Konesni, back up their intertwining family harmonies with fiddles, banjo, cello, guitar, and sometimes a few surprises.

Inspired by years of playing for dances in the old Grange halls, the family may be best known for their rollicking renditions of dance tunes in a “DownEast style” with its origins in the Scots-Irish and French-Canadian traditions. Their repertoire also includes a wide variety of old and new sounds. The Gawlers are known for a highly spirited delivery that may include a gutsy shanty or work song, a heart-wrenching ballad, a poignant a cappella number featuring the sisters, or an amusing ode to everyday life. With a particular focus on sentiments that reflect life in rural Maine, their unique arrangements are especially engaging. They often are accompanied by anecdotes of historic or humorous content. 

For many years, The Gawler Family has shared their music at countless festivals, farms, concerts, and schools, joyfully contributing to our sense of grassroots connections and community.  With their sparkling musicianship and infectious spirit, The Gawler Family has found a warm place in the hearts of folks of all ages.