Our aim as a band is to give a new twist to traditional songs and reels. Depending on the audience, we also mix them with more contemporary songs such as Van Morrison, The Pogues, U2, Grateful Dead, Water Boys etc. Audience participation is a feature of a Scruffy gig, with chorus sheets handed out. We frequently use three part harmonies, and the instrumentation includes rhythm guitar, electric bass, accordion, fiddle, djembe and bodhran.

Paul and Sarah Tschiggfrie began the band when Paul was still in the Air Force. The stories of them playing in Iceland are legendary - from gigs that started well after midnight, to the disco-dancing Irish music fans that were also sometimes overly friendly towards musicians - and had a tendency toward falling into musical equipment. No wonder the band would like to take a road trip to Iceland sometime!

The second generation of Scruffy came about when Paul was transferred to Louisiana (now you know how the Cajun influence happened). Other than being influenced by some very good musicians, the best story may be about the move from the area when Paul and Sarah were able to experience being robbed at gunpoint. What the thieves wanted with those weird Irish instruments is still a mystery.

When Paul and Sarah moved to Virginia the stage was set for the third generation of the band. Since then Scruffy has performed all around Virginia in many different settings. The most rewarding part of the experience has been, without a doubt, getting to know many of the "Scruffy Heads" who make the performances much more enjoyable with their enthusiasm and support.

The bottom line for our music is: we are going to have fun and if given the chance, the audience will as well.