SpringStreet Interview
By Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
SpringStreet started in 1990 as a dream of members Mike Williams and Dan Nieto. They had gone to see Bill Monroe & The Bluegrass Boys perform at The Auditorium in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Inspired by this performance to start a musical career of their own, they chose the band name “SpringStreet” after the city street where The Auditorium was located. More than thirty years later, SpringStreet is still going strong entertaining folks all over the country. Members now include Nick Alberty (mandolin / lead vocals), Steve Huhn (upright bass), Rick Morton (fiddle / vocals), along with original members Mike Williams (banjo / vocals) and Dan Nieto (guitar / lead vocals). They have also been an award winning band as a group and as individuals.
SpringStreet is very blessed to stay on the road performing more than 100 shows a year throughout the midwest and at popular events such as: Silver Dollar City’s “Bluegrass & BBQ Festival” in Branson, Missouri; Turkey Track Bluegrass Festival in Waldron, Arkansas; Bluegrass & Chili Festival in Wagoner, Oklahoma, and a great collection of additional shows in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Tennessee.
About SpringStreet:
MIKE WILLIAMS
BANJO
As a founding member of SpringStreet, Mike Williams has always had a great passion for bluegrass music. Known for his kindness and easy-going attitude, he has always been a great leader and promoter of the band. As a banjo player, you can count on Mike to work it until it’s right. Not one to settle for something that’s just good; Mike wants to be the best! This shows in his life and qualities. Mike also sings great harmony as well as lead vocals from time to time.
DAN NIETO
GUITAR
As another founding member of SpringStreet, Dan Nieto is a multi-talented musician and songwriter. Playing lead and rhythm guitar for the band, Dan’s ability to touch your heart with a song is truly a gift from above. As a songwriter, his songs put his faith and Christian values to music in a way that is inspiring. As a guitarist for the band, his tasteful lead work and driving rhythm are always entertaining to watch.
NICK ALBERTY
MANDOLIN
While his mandolin playing seems smooth and effortless, Nick Alberty also shines while singing as well. His strong lead and harmony vocals have been a great asset to the band. A veteran performer in the area, having performed with several bands simultaneously, Nick is also well known for his songwriting, great rhythm guitar work and arrangements of material.
STEVE HUHN
bass
While being the foundation of SpringStreet’s rhythm, Steve Huhn has played banjo with the Bluegrass Offenders, and upright bass with Adam Lopez and the Low Tops. Steve’s classic approach to the upright bass brings the band full circle with a foot-stompin’ rhythm anyone can love.
Rick Morton
FIDDLE
Rick Morton (fiddle, vocals): Rick Morton is a veteran performer from Tulsa, Oklahoma. His talent not only includes playing the fiddle, but also writing songs producing projects. He is an in-demand studio musician for the Tulsa area. His experience includes playing with Ronnie Dunn (Brooks & Dunn), traveling and playing with Roy Clark, and playing fiddle for a Bob Will’s tribute band “The Tulsa Playboys” who frequently play at the world-famous Cain’s Ballroom. Rick has shared the stage with countless musicians over the years and his professionalism and style are simply the best. Rick is a retired firefighter and lives in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.