Downunderdogs at Acoustic Routes

The Downunderdogs are Jack MacKenzie, Peter Dyer and Cathy Dyer. This three part vocal/instrumental blend features first-class flatpicking, stellar songwriting, heavenly harmonies, and lots of laughs.

Like their music, Jack, Peter and Cathy are American born and bred. They enjoy discovering, digging into and arranging “Americana” country, bluegrass, old-time, and swing music. This includes originals by Jack and Peter.

Jack’s flat-picking is inspired by Doc Watson. He has picked with Doc and a host of other stars at McCabe’s Music—the legendary venue Jack managed and performed at in Los Angeles from 1971 to 1980. He is now building his own Simian Ridge guitars.

Peter plays rhythm guitar and loves singing and yodelling Hank Williams and Jimmie Rodgers. Two of his best known compositions are “Go Ahead and Cry” and “The Immigrants’ Song.” After years of listening to Peter and Jack play, Cathy finally added the big double bass and chimed in for three-part harmonies. The Downunderdogs have been featured at Wellington Folk Festival, Wellington Bluegrass Society, and Auckland Bluegrass Society, and were part of this year’s Kiwigrass Festival.