The Hillbilly Gypsies are a West Virginia native string band who specialize in playing their own homegrown style of Appalachian old time music, mixed with a hard drivin' bluegrass sound. In addition to their original material, The Hillbilly Gypsies play an eclectic mix of traditional and quite often, not-so-traditional bluegrass standards and catchy old fiddle tunes.

The Hillbilly Gypsies are best appreciated jamming at a live show. They perform in the old fashioned style, around a single vintage style large diaphragm microphone. This "Old Timey" approach adds a high energy barn party atmosphere to their show. Watching the whole band 
work around the mic is like taking a trip back in time. It'll sure make you want to get up and dance!

Just like their music, the Gypsies play a diverse array of venues throughout the year, ranging from major outdoor music festivals, radio shows, coffee shops and club venues to weddings and private parties. From the finest of the theaters and concert halls to the rowdiest of the motorcycle rallies, The Hillbilly Gypsies have played em' all!

Formed in 2001 from a chance meeting in Morgantown WV, The Hillbilly Gypsies have been pickin'and grinnin' ever since. More than just a bluegrass band, The Hillbilly Gypsies are a close knit family, mindful of tradition yet bold explorers of new styles of acoustic music.

Having played at every Smoked Country Jam, since 2004, we are proud to have had the talents and professionalism of The Hillbilly Gypsies as the festival "host band" since the second year of the festival.