Americana

Knowing each other for many years, the three friends became a group, when they began playing every Sunday night at the Main Pub in Manchester, CT where the staff dubbed the trio, Americana. Anyone who loves sea music should know Don Sineti, former chanteyman at Mystic Seaport and confidant of Stan Hugill. He’s the big man with a big smile, huge heart, massive, booming voice, and a wicked 5-string banjo. Apart from his powerful and passionate singing, Don is also an accomplished self-taught marine mammal illustrator and a cetacean activist. You can learn a lot from listening to Don! Bill Walach’s professional music career began in 1957 playing Hawaiian guitar at Connecticut VFW and American Legion halls. Today, he is best known for his scintillating mandolin, bringing tasty vocals and a wide repertoire of diverse music styles to the group, from Southern songs to jigs and reels. Bill is also an in-demand session man for contra dances across the Northeast. Like his band-mates, multi-instrumentalist Steve Roys, a carpenter by trade, has had a life-long interest in traditional music and dance. He sings, plays accordion, jaw harp, spoons, bodhran and a sizzling hot harmonica. Americana’s sound is fresh and delightfully entertaining.

Don Sineti passed away on 5 Jan 2023 after an extended illness.  Memories of his larger-than-life presence is being honored by the entire maritime music community.  His Hartford Courant obituary can be read here.