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Formed in New York City during the summer of 2002, The Wiyos took their name from the toughest gang to prowl the streets of old New York (The Why’os, circa 1890). They have spent eight years touring extensively in the USA, Canada, France, The Netherlands and The United Kingdom. They were featured in the BBC television documentary, “Folk America – Hollerers, Stompers and Old-Time Ramblers”. In 2009 The Wiyos were hand picked by Bob Dylan to tour for seven weeks as the opener of the Bob Dylan Show, with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp. Their 2009 release, Broken Land Bell, sat in the top 20 of the AMA charts for 14 weeks. The Wiyos unique charisma transcends typical social boundaries. They appeal to everyone from young hipsters to seasoned music connoisseurs. They have emerged as a hallmark band in the resurgence of traditional American music over the past decade.
“…like Dylan they [The Wiyos] display a knack from hammering archaic musical traditions into new directions... the result sounds like a synthesis with a genuine future, something of a rare accomplishment.” -Americana UK
“The group brings exuberance and intensity to these vintage styles, and its performances are layered with vaudevillian stage antics” -The New Yorker
“fabulous” - Bob Harris, BBC radio
“The Wiyos are a gem…. talented enough to deserve their iconic fedoras, and rough-and -tumble enough to deserve the name they share with one of NYC’s most notorious street gangs.” -Metroland, NY
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