Special Ed and the Shortbus is a bubbling fountain of virtuosic insanity. Seeing them play is like watching a high-speed train about to jump the tracks. Unstoppable energy matched with technical mastery, outlandish humor and fully engaging entertainment, the Shortbus is a sight to behold.

Jug band, Bluegrass, Old-Timey, String Band, Vaudevillian, Jazz, call it what you will, it's just American music (except when it's Eastern European). The band employs banjos, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, a trap set, a doghouse bass, many kazoos, and a whole host of other toys to create their irresistible sound, a truly Special blend.

Special Ed and the Shortbus have been playing music together since the Spring of 2002. Based in Richmond, VA, they have traveled far and wide through VA, MD, NC, and WV; as well as up through NY and New England. Over time, the music has moved in many directions as their individual characters have come together, creating a many-limbed frenetic bluegrass beast. They have gained a reputation both near and far for high energy and sometimes bizarre live acts.

In 2004 they released two albums simultaneously. Special Ed and the Shortbus Bluegrass Band, is a more straight ahead endeavor, while Downhill From Here, contains more blue material. They are in the process of recording a third, which is tentatively set for release in the summer of 2007.

Special Ed and the Shortbus base both their sense of humor and their musical tendencies primarily on self-indulgence. Their frenzied exuberance is not intended to set them apart, it's just instinct. The same is true of the music. They play it that way because that's what they like. Experience Special Ed and the Shortbus for yourself and your life will be changed forever.