Special Ed and the Shortbus is a bubbling fountain of virtuosic insanity. Seeing them play is like watching a high-speed train about to jump the tracks. Unstoppable energy matched with technical mastery, outlandish humor and fully engaging entertainment, the Shortbus is a sight to behold.

Jug band, Bluegrass, Old-Timey, String Band, Vaudevillian, call it what you will, it's just American music (except when it's Eastern European).The band employs banjos, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, a trap set, a doghouse bass, many kazoos, and a whole host of other toys to create their irresistible sound, a truly Special blend.

Special Ed and the Shortbus have been playing music together since the Spring of 2002. Based in Richmond, VA, they have traveled far and wide through VA, MD, NC, and WV; as well as up through NY and New England. Over time, the music has moved in many directions as their individual characters have come together, creating a many-limbed frenetic bluegrass beast. They have gained a reputation both near and far for high energy and sometimes bizarre live acts.

In 2004 they released two albums simultaneously. “Special Ed and the Shortbus Bluegrass Band,” is a more straight ahead endeavor, while “Downhill From Here,” contains more “blue” material. They are in the process of recording a third, which is tentatively set for release in the summer of 2006.

Special Ed and the Shortbus resist words like “zany,” or “wacky.” The group's on and offstage demeanor is not an intentional attempt to set themselves apart, it’s just instinct. The same is true of the music. They play it that way because that’s what they like. Experience Special Ed and the Shortbus for yourself and your life will be changed forever.

Special Ed renamed themselves recently and are now called the Hot Seats (http://thehotseats.net/).

Website
http://www.specialedshortbus.com

Discography
Special Ed and the Shortbus Bluegrass Band - 2004
Downhill From Here - 2004

They have airplay on many radio stations throughout VA, as well as on a few streaming websites, including WEBRADIO Goldenflash in Belgium. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.