The core
of Uncle Dirtytoes, Maria Anthony and Megan Hurt, have been playing together in various musical
arrangements since 1988, and as Uncle Dirtytoes since 1991. Veteran guitarist Roger Holden has been with the band since 1993, Mark von Schlemmer joined on bass in 1995 and Mike Fitzgerald began drumming with the 'Toes in 1996.
Uncle Dirtytoes has an extensive musical repertoire consisting mainly of originals which are complemented by a mixture of traditional and contemporary cover songs. The originals vary widely in style and flavor with songs that are evocative of other times and places, as well as portrayals of life here and now.
The band derives its inspiration from songwriter Maria Anthony and such seminal folk-rock artists as Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Jethro Tull, and Richard Thompson, and covers songs by these performers as well as artists such as Bob Dylan, The Waterboys, Jefferson Airplane, and others.
Some have asked about the name Uncle Dirtytoes. (Others have not been so bold . . . ) We have divided the answer into three parts, so that you may choose the one which suits you best.
Answer #1: Uncle Dirtytoes is a derivative of a phrase found in an obscure ancient dialect of Cymri (Welsh): Hwyncle Dffyrtthys, which roughly translates into "can these foul socks, so soiled with meaning, yet be changed?"
Answer #2: Uncle Dirtytoes is a middle-world being manifested as a rather crusty muse, and inadvertently channeled by Maria, who thought she was watching yet another Star Trek series.
Answer #3: Uncle Dirtytoes comes from a line in a song, sort of. Can you guess which one?
Answer #4: All of the above.
Say! Band bios are riveting! Or meet the band's pets! Or check out song lyrics or order a CD!