www.daylightintheswampband.com

Playing Since: 1977
Experience Level: Expert/Professional

Interests:
[Jamming] [Socializing] [Helping]

Occupation: IT Manager

Gender: Male
Age: 64

My Instruments:
1980 Gold Star Archtop

Favorite Bands/Musicians:
Daylight in the Swamp, Newgrass Revival, Blue Highway, Union Station, The Dillards, Lonesome River Band, The Henhouse Prowlers, Special Consensus, Josh Williams Band, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Lou Reid

Classified Rating: not rated
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Profile Info:
Visible to: Public
Created 6/1/2012
Last Visit 7/29/2014

I was trained as a classical violinist and took up the banjo at age 16, after hearing my 13 year old cousin win the Arkansas State Banjo Championship. I'm mostly self taught, but have studied with Bill Evans and Alan Munde. I have experience in recording, TV, and radio. My former band, The Weekend Wages, toured the Ukraine. In addition to Daylight in the Swamp and The Weekend Wages, I've also played with The Pony Express, Potluck, and the 70’s disco group Captain Groovy. I'm a former member of the Northeast Arkansas Symphony, where I played violin, and currently play violin with The Madison Studio Orchestra. I've also performed with Rock Valley College’s The Starlight Theatre in Rockford, IL. My "claim to fame" is that, many years ago, I played with Union Station -- before Alison Krauss was famous. However, since no photographic, video, or audio evidence exists, some are skeptical. But hey, I know the truth. And besides, everyone deserves their 15 minutes in the spotlight. My biggest banjo influence has been Doug Dillard (rest in peace) and, to some extent, Bela Fleck. I listened to a lot of Greg Cahill (in person) in the "old days" as the band I played with at that time did a lot of the same festivals as Special Consensus. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my cousin, Marty Ward, as having a huge impact on my formative years of banjo playing. Marty is an absolute gas and one heck of a banjo player -- one of the finest all round musicians I've ever been around. I hope to learn a lot and contribute where I can. Thanks for having me!!