The South Mountain Bucks are an acoustic duo performing Appalachian and Celtic music on a variety of instruments. Burr and Chuck live on opposite sides of South Mountain in Central Pennsylvania, so the name is a natural for us. Burr performs on hammered dulcimer and sings while Chuck plays fiddle, banjo, and guitar, with an occasional assist on vocals. Both are veteran performers with a multi-decade history of performing in bands across Pennsylvania.
Burr Beard – Burr lives in Mount Holly Springs, PA with his wife Julie. He studied history at the University of Pittsburgh and earned an MFA in Communication Media Arts from Ohio University. He has been a singer and hammer dulcimer player in Pittsburgh since the mid 1970's where he became in demand for square dances, clogger performances, and concerts. He played in 'Buckdancer's Choice' in 1977 and with Sue Powers, formed 'Devilish Merry' which is currently active as Old-Time and Irish music ensemble. With band member LE McCullough, Burr wrote a Mid-Atlantic Arts grant to compose new music for the Lewis and Clark bicentennial in 2003. 'Devilish Merry' still performs material from that work, including Market Square, Savage Forest and Water and Vines.
Burr is retired from a career in public radio, and now fills his days making historical documentaries and playing music. He and Chuck perform historical music with Gary Smith as 18th-century tavern musicians in the band Forbes Road Frolic.
Chuck Krepley – Chuck lives in Arendtsville PA with wife Denise, where he has played music in bands, Irish music sessions, and for historical reenactment events for many years. He started his performing career playing the banjo in bluegrass bands in his hometown of Pittsburgh. He later shifted his focus to the fiddle. His love of history led to many historical fiddling endeavors, including creating a music program and an 1820’s-era chamber orchestra at PA state historical site Old Economy Village, playing in Civil War-era bands Home Front, Gilmore’s Light Ensemble, and Dearest Home (and subbing with the well-known 2nd South Carolina String Band), as well as many solo performances at historical sites and presentations for historical societies across Pennsylvania. Chuck was also the Musical Director for the French and Indian War documentary video "George Washington's First War: The Battles for Fort Duquesne" by Paladin Productions. He also contributed musical performances for the special edition video of "When the Forest Ran Red." After moving to central Pennsylvania, Chuck played with Celtic band Cormorant’s Fancy and was a founding member of the popular Irish band Across the Pond. He and Burr perform historical music with Gary Smith as 18th-century tavern musicians in the band Forbes Road Frolic.
Chuck holds a degree in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh, and enjoyed a career as a product development chemist.
Shows are free and open to the public. Wine, hard cider and food from Clawson's at the Cider House will be available all night.
All Cider House LIVE music events will be outdoors rain or shine on our deck or under our outdoor pavilion.
*Please note we do not allow outside food. Clawson's at the Cider House is NOW OPEN! Check out their Facebook page - Clawson's at the Cider House or their website gettclawsons.com for food menu updates.
