One day, Jason Crabb bought a banjo. He figured if he purchased the instrument, he’d have to commit to learning how to actually play it.

“I just wanted to try something different,” he says.

Todd Ward took almost the same path as Crabb. About four years ago, he decided to learn how to play the guitar.

Now the guitarist and the banjo man are strumming in a band called Steel Wool Mill.

Steel Wool Mill, comprised of Ward on vocals and guitar, Jason Baines on congas, Scott Cobb on percussion (including the washboard) and Crabb on banjo, will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at Cafe Acoustic. (Also performing will be Sylvan Lane and For the Sound.)

“Me and the banjo player have been playing together for about three years,” Ward says.

Steel Wool Mill formed about eight months ago, Ward says. And audiences, he adds, have been very receptive to the band’s sound.

It’s not rock, it’s not hip-hop and it’s not alt.

“We’re kind of bringing back something St. Joe hasn’t heard in a while,” Ward says.

Here’s how the band’s MySpace page describes its music: “a simpler time ...”

Translation: it’s folk music, a mixture of the traditional with a little modern twist. Something you might expect from a band that lists Bob Dylan and Hank Williams Sr. as one of its influences. Oh, and don’t forget The White Stripes. They’re an influence, too.

“I think it’s genuine heart-felt stuff,” Crabb says of the band’s music.

And, it’s all original. No covers for this band. Ward writes the songs.

“I never was interested in learning other people’s songs,” Ward says. “I’m kind of obsessive with it.”

That obsessiveness means that the band will go into the studio soon with original material for an EP. Samples of Steel Wool Mill’s music can be heard on at www.myspace.com/steelwoolmill.

Each live performance brings the band more confidence, Ward says.

“We were used to playing in basements, garages and attics,” Ward says.

Now, they’re center stage and “...out of this night will descend the chill of the cold, cold sound of Steel Wool Mill.” All courtesy of a conga player, a percussionist, a banjo player and a guitarist/vocalist.

MAKING MUSIC

What: Steel Wool Mill, with Sylvan Lane and For the Sound

When: 9 p.m. March 15

Where: Cafe Acoustic, 2605 Frederick Ave.

More info: 671-1141 or Cafe-Acoustic.com

Lifestyles reporter Cathy Woolridge can be reached at cathyw@npgco.com