DC/Baltimore bluegrass group evolved from early ’70s group The Free State String Band. Founded by Ray Hesson (banjo) and Ray Schmitt (guitar, vocals), the group also featured Karen Belanger (lead and backing vocals), Dan Curtis (mandolin, bass, vocals), and Bradley Sams (bass, vocals).
Foggy Bottom started out playing local clubs and festivals. In early years they were a long-time house band for Charlie’s West Side (Annapolis), and later as a house band for DiGennaro’s (Laurel). Gigs throughout the region included The Birchmere, Wolf Trap, Cellar Door, Crofton Amphitheater, Ramada Inn (Towson), Preakness Bluegrass Festival at Towsontowne Center, Ladew Topiary Gardens (Monkton), Annapolis Arts Festival, Ronald Reagan’s 1981 Presidential Inauguration, and many other festivals and events. The group also made local TV appearances on “Saturday Magazine” as well as the Nashville Network program “Fire on the Mountain.”
Their somewhat modern bluegrass style took a while to become embraced by critics. They released critically acclaimed albums on their Real Earth label. In addition to the band, session musicians on their 1981 album included Gary Ellenger (drums), Jon Glik (fiddle), Russ Hooper (dobro), David Grier (lead guitar), Mike Stein (fiddle), Kelly Stein (vocals). Glik also appears on their 1979 debut LP.
Co-founder Schmitt passed away on April 15, 2014. Outside of the group his 1976 album “A Forest Is,” was commissioned by the U.S. Forest Service for its 1976 Centennial Celebration. He went on to become an award-winning film documentary producer. Hesson, from Bowie, MD, a veteran of the central Maryland bluegrass scene as a teacher and a performer in various groups, including 25 years with Foggy Bottom, passed away on May 24, 2016.
Baltimorean Dan Curtis later played with The Satyr Hill Band, and Dean Sapp & The Harford Express. He passed away on January 15, 2006. Bands and bluegrass fans from the region united for a memorial concert in his honor.
Discography:
As The Free State String Band:
1974(LP) – Real Earth 3579 — Let’s Sing Of Life
As Foggy Bottom:
1979(LP) – Real Earth 4 — Foggy Bottom
1981(LP) – Real Earth 12952 — Old Flames
1996(CD) – Real Earth 12953 — Love Will Keep Us Alive
