The String Benders are a Spartanburg quartet formed in John Hovelsrud’s basement out of discontent. This “Almost Acoustic” group performs without the limitations of style or genre offering a mixed bag of great tunes with unique arrangements. Most of the members of the group have enjoyed and been a part of the Spartanburg Music Scene for many years. We have all been influenced by blues, bluegrass, jazz and “Cocktail Country”, having lived in this part of the state. We pull these influences together with interesting song selections that showcase these styles in a different way. We enjoy using a variety of instruments including steel string acoustics, nylons, dobros and the occasional romp with a telecaster through a tweed tube amp. Our percussion is also unorthodox with Mike Miller keeping time with a Jimbay, shakers, rattles or cardboard boxes depending on the day and his mood. Clay Williamson rounds the group out with strong bass playing that comes with tenured experience and 2 extra strings.

The String Benders also care about your ears; we keep our volume levels where they should be, so that you won’t be reminded of us the next day by “ringing in your ears”.

rich.proctor@yahoo.com

John Hovelsrud: Guitar and Vocals
Rich Proctor: Guitar and Vocals
Clay Williamson: Bass
Mike Miller: Percussion, Wrenches, Glass Bottles, Bottle Tops, Power tools, etc,