The McDaileys have been performing as a husband/wife team since 2001. Their “rural roots styled” band draws primarily from western, old-time, old country/bluegrass and the “golden age of radio.” When asked to describe their music, guitarist Willie says “we play hits from the 50’s and 60’s. The 1850’s and 60’s.” Based in Fort Collins Colorado, the McDailey’s capture an educational, fun repertoire of the aforementioned genres as well as original songs with similar themes. Mandolinist Susan says “the music is good for the soul. My soul!” They hope you find their music good for yours too.
Willie McDonald (guitar, mandolin and vocals) a multi-instrumentalist, is perhaps best known as the mandolin player in the Bluegrass Patriots; an internationally-known traditional bluegrass band that was together for over 30 years. The Patriots toured extensively in the United States, Canada and Europe and have 9 recording projects to their name. Willie is also a prolific published songwriter. In the McDaileys, Willie is the featured guitar player and front man for the band. His dynamic solo playing, lead and baritone singing combined with his unique sense of humor are a driving force in the McDaileys.
Susan Dailey (mandolin and vocals) has performed in many area bluegrass bands over the years including Darkhorse, a group who formed at the South Plains College Bluegrass Music program in Levelland Texas, and ultimately went on a Department of Defense tour of the Pacific. Susan has taught beginning mandolin at Camp Bluegrass (in Levelland, Texas) and for many years at Front Range Community college (in Fort Collins, CO). Her mandolin style is steeped in bluegrass tradition and she is known for her high lonesome harmony singing and she is also featured on some of the lead vocals.
Susan is also an established mural and Puble Artist. Her work can be seen. On her website: www.susankdailey.com.
The McDaileys enjoy collaborating with many local and regional musicians, putting together vocal and instrumental configurations tailored to your event. They can offer a large variety of musical experiences; ranging from duet to full five-piece band to meet the needs of your occasion.
Willie and Susan are kept on their toes working with these various talented musicians:
The McDaileys: duet, trio or four or five-piece band
The Bluegrass Patriots Willie has been playing mandolin with this formally touring band for over 30 years. They have recorded 9 albums (bluegrasspatriots.com)
Capo Zero - Willie enjoys playing mandolin with this fun group of long-time friends and Fort Collins stellar musicians’ who enjoy playing locally and regionally.
Alpine Rose -Susan has been playing with musical soul-sister Peggy Mihelich for over 12 ears. They teamed up with guitarist Charlie Rossario and play primarily in retirement home venues along the Colorado Front Range. (link to facebook page here)
Prairie Grass -Willie and Susan enjoy performing together in a vocal trio style with friend and dobroist Sondra Asa.
Golden Age -Susan enjoys singing duets from the “golden age of Radio” and has teamed up with fun-loving musician extraordinaire, Nate Swartz. Bassist Evan Neal rounds out the group performing hits from a time when the radio was the centerpiece of every living room in America. The trio plays every last Thursday of the month at Soul Squared Brewing in Wellington, Colorado.
Soul Squared House Band -Susan books bands for the Soul Squared Tap Room’s Bluegrass and American Sunday concert series in Wellington, CO…..”House Band” is the code word for impromptu group of musicians, drawing primarily from our collaborating partners. (make link to collabotationg partners) To find out more about this charming venue please check out their web site: https://soulsquaredbrewing.com/