With a unique style, talented teens, and a source of everlasting inspiration, Cats and the Fiddler is another amazingly gifted music group at Milford High School.

In 2001, Juniors Carmen Gibes, James Richardson, and Shaun Richardson took their various musical talents and combined them, forming Milfords one and only bluegrass group: Cats and the Fiddler.

“Shaun came up with the idea because he was inspired by his uncle,” said Gibes. This encouragement is definitely shown in their instrumental talents, as well as their vocal talents. His uncle was a man of talent and played bluegrass all of his life. This aptitude reflected off of him, onto them, making them develop their own style of the genre.

Playing a wild array of instruments, Shaun plays the mandolin, fiddle, guitar, banjo, bass, AND the piano. His brother James and his cousin Carmen also play their share of instruments, with James on bass and piano, and Carmen on banjo and guitar.

Aside from all the instruments, all three sing as well.

With two to three shows popping up every month, these “cats” are on the road a lot. “It doesn’t pay too much (money), but it’s enough for us,” said Gibes. The gang isn’t usually paid too much, but money doesn’t matter when their on stage having fun playing the music they love.

With a special style of bluegrass, who wouldn’t want to book them for a show? From coffee shops and summer concerts, to even bluegrass festivals, the members of Cats and the Fiddler are willing to share their brand of music with everyone and anyone who’d like to hear it.

So if you’re into bluegrass, or just want to see a great local band jam it up on stage, visit the band’s Facebook page and find out when and where their next show is. Don’t miss out on the awesome tunes of Cats and the Fiddler!