Since 1980, the Lilies of the West, an all-woman, Old-timey string band, has been entertaining enthusiastic listeners with their lively renditions of American Traditional and Bluegrass music. The Lilies combine their talents to bring the music of our land to life through spirited instrumentals featuring banjo, fiddle, hammered dulcimer, guitar, and stand-up bass. Their harmony singing gives new vitality to old songs and can be heard on their CDs entitled “Seeds of Tradition” and “Silver Jubilee.”
Over the past 45 years, the Lilies have played at countless events in Southern California, including the LA and Orange County Fairs, Marineland, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Calico Ghost Town, concerts in the park, and private parties. The Lilies have also had the privilege of playing at many iconic venues in the East, starting with 20 years at the Museum of Appalachia’s Homecoming Festival in Norris, TN, the Carter Fold in Hiltons, VA, the John C Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC, and Silver Dollar City in Missouri.
The Lillies are composed of founding members Barbara Whitney on fiddle, Heidi Witmer on banjo, and Jill Worley on rhythm guitar. They met at a Bluegrass Ensemble adult education class taught by Bob Cox at Anaheim High. The founding members thought this class would be a great place to meet men. Not too long after performing as a trio, the group teamed up with Christi Hudson, who plays the hammer dulcimer. Jill’s husband, Mike Worley, plays the bass, acts as the chauffeur, and sets up the sound equipment.
Part of the Lilies’ charisma and charm is their personal enjoyment of the traditional music they play and their delight in sharing it with others. In their shows, they encourage audience participation, tell funny stories, and sing songs with an animated flair. The Lilies of the West can be the picture frame of any event that involves good old-fashioned, toe-tapping fun.