Folk group from Baltimore formed at the University of Maryland by Buddy Renfro, Mike Ritter, Ed Windsor, and Kenn Roberts. The group performed throughout Baltimore, D.C. and Annapolis area including the Live Eye in D.C. and the Cellar Door where they once opened for Ian & Sylvia in 1962.
The original group released a single and eventually disbanded.
In 1985 a reunion concert was arranged at the King of France Tavern in Annapolis. They were so well received that they re-formed the group and began performing there as a regular Tuesday night attraction for more than twelve years. In the late ‘80s they added vocalist Mack Bailey, along with Mike Munford (banjo ex-Windy Ridge), Jon Glik aka ‘Baltimore Jonny’ (fiddle), and Ira Gitlin (guitar, banjo ex-Johnson Mountain Boys, Pat McGee Band…).
Over the years the Hard Travelers shared stages with many top artists including Kenny Rogers, Emmylou Harris, and Kathy Mattea to name a few. They also performed in concerts that raised millions of dollars to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
CD releases include “Sailin’ on A Second Wind,” “Silver and Gold,” “High Gear,” and “I’d Rather Wear Out Than Rust.”
Mack Bailey’s solo releases include 2003 CD “Why I’m Here” (Spa Creek Music).
