You’ve heard of the Partridge Family. Now get ready for Curreykorn. But unlike the fictional family band from the 1970s TV show, Curreykorn is the real deal.
Formed in 2001, Curreykorn is led by David E. Currey, director of MU’s International Student and Scholar Services. David plays dobro. Wife Nancy plays bass. They have five children. John, 19, plays mandolin; Luke, 17, plays banjo; Sam, 15, plays acoustic guitar; and Maggie, 11, plays fiddle. Sadie, 21, was in the band singing and playing fiddle before starting at Berklee College of Music in Boston in fall 2012. Most members also sing and the kids “buck” dance.
Curreykorn plays traditional bluegrass music at mid-Missouri events, including some at the University of Missouri. Of the campus gigs, David says, “It felt like I was integrating my passion, my hobby, my family into the Mizzou family.”
Since Sadie’s departure, John and Luke have really stepped up by singing more and doing a ripping rendition of “Dueling Banjos.” David also has a side project bluegrass band with John and Sam called Mighty Mochine.
Performing with family is always fun, David says. But sometimes rehearsals can be a challenge. “It is work,” he says. “Even doing something you’re passionate about can get a little messy.”
Meanwhile, David is proud of Sadie, who is fronting an all-woman contemporary jazz quartet in Boston. “I am just excited to see her talent flourish,” he says. “It’s fun to see her take it to the next level.”
This article first appeared in the summer 2014 issue of MIZZOU.
