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In September,1996, Steve Ketchen and Mikey McCallum began a residency at Graffiti's in Toronto's Kensington Market. Billed as Honky Tonk Tuesday the duo performed country classics by music legends such as Hank Williams, Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash. As the Tuesday gig grew in popularity, so did the band. David Callender played the standup (double) bass in the Hillbillies for a couple of years in the 90's.
Fast forward to the year 2000 and The Kensington Hillbillys had developed into a six-piece band and were heading into the studio to record their debut CD. Released in August, 2001, the result is an eclectic mix of country songs played with rootsy style. Guest musicians on the disc include Burke Carroll (pedal steel, dobro) and Chris Coole (banjo).
January, 2003 sees the band growing to a seven piece ensemble. At long last, all the elements of the classic country sound are now in place.
The bands' live shows are engaging and vibrant, showcasing the many talents within the group. Setting the tone with their own compositions, they move freely from a Johnny Cash dust-up to a Hank Williams classic.