The Insolent Willies are an upstate New York roots-rock band known for their hip-shaking mix of quirky, clever original music and unpredictable covers. Their sound blends acoustic rock, vintage country and blues, seasoned with punk, reggae and soul. Performers are multi-instrumentalists, so a typical show features acoustic and electric guitars, upright bass, accordion, fiddle, banjo, fiddle and harmonica. Always playing a mix of original material and unusual covers,
The band was formed in 2017 by singer-songwriters Bill Ackerbauer (acoustic guitar, harmonica, fiddle, vocals) and Frank DeVer Pullen (bass, mandolin, banjo, vocals), and now includes Paul Gavry (accordion, fiddle, vocals) and Evan Gavry (guitars, percussion, vocals), with occasional appearances by friends such as Mike Gowans, Jenny Harder, Dusty Elmer, David Wong and others.
The Insolent Willies have been nominated for 2025 "Americana Artist of the Year" in the Capital Region Eddies Music Awards. and "Folk/Bluegrass Band of the Year" in the ListenUp! Awards.
"An electrifying experience ... they challenge conventions with their roots-rock tunes."
- WMHT-TV
Appearance on WEXT radio
Advance Sale: $11.63 General Admission $9.53 Members
At the Door Cash Prices: $10 General Admission $8 Members $5 Students
At the Door Credit Prices: $11 General Admission $9 Members
This project is made possible through the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement regrant program thanks to a New York State Senate Initiative supported by the NYS Legislature, the Office of the Governor and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts. Plus members, community support, and the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties.