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Frank | Frank Bayuk hails from central Wisconsin. He developed a love for Bluegrass music in early childhood, listening late at night to a simple crystal radio set when the southern stations could be heard. He lives in Rancho Palos Verdes, California and is a semi-retired electrical engineer. After many years of wishing he could sing and play the music he loves, in mid-life, Frank decided to take the plunge and bought a banjo to see if he could actually play it. That was in 1996, and since then he has acquired a resophonic guitar, and a Martin guitar. Frank is a member of the Southwest Bluegrass Association, Bluegrass Association of Southern California, and The California Bluegrass Association. Frank's vocal range allows him to sing lead and tenor, for that high lonesome sound characteristic of Bluegrass music. He was previously a member of the Bluegrass band - Appalachian Echoes. |
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Claire | Claire Wagner is a California native and lives in Redondo Beach, California. Claire’s musical pursuits began more than 25 years ago when she took up the guitar. Her dream was to play the banjo, however, from the moment she heard that distinctive ring coming from her family's television set during "Hee Haw" in the 60s. She is now an accomplished player on the mandolin, banjo, and guitar. Her charming voice adds substantial dimension to the band with her lead and harmony singing. She enjoys singing many types of music, including baroque, classical, Gregorian chants, and show tunes with chorales wherever she has lived, and counts her church choir participation as a deep part of her musical heritage. She has written many songs and has participated in a number of bands over the years including Appalachian Echoes and Diamond Lane/the Cowbelles and the Praise Band. Most unusual place to play a banjo? High in the mountains of a remote island country in the tropics. High and lonesome, and the native inhabitants loved their first exposure to bluegrass and broke out in spontaneous modal singing in their own language! |
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Tim |
Tim Bryant is an accomplished musican/singer/songwriter. He is a California native and lives in Long Beach, California. Tim’s musical endeavors began in high school as a key member of a rock and roll band. Tim’s true calling however, is in Bluegrass Gospel music.Tim is one of the founding members of the Bluegrass Brethren, a Bluegrass Gospel band that has been delighting audiences for over 24 years. They have produced numerous CD’s with many of Tim's original songs as the foundation. He is a gifted guitarist, bassist (both upright and electric) and mandolinst as well as an outstanding singer. Tim’s musical skills and experience add significantly to the arrangements and vocal harmonies presented by Windy Ridge Bluegrass Band. |
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Tom | Tom Lambert's early musical experience began with his exposure to his mom's 78 rpm records, which included The Weavers and The Sons of the Pioneers. With a piano in the home, Tom learned how to play "On Top of Old Smokey." He was given a year of lessons around age six, then continued to learn on his own. Tom’s uncle gave him a harmonica when he was nine and a year later he was walking around playing it at a fair and was invited onstage to play "Oh Susanna" with Doye O'Dell and his band. His first stage experience! Tom went on to play clarinet at school, then added guitar by the time he got to college. In the late 70's and early 80's, Tom was in a couple of local rock 'n' roll/pop music bands, playing keyboards and electric bass. Tom is the newest member of Windy Ridge, and is rapidly developing his skills on the stand-up bass. "I like the feel of the bass more and more, and over the years I've come to appreciate the repertoire and musicianship, humor and good spirits of the members of this group." |
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Katie | Katie Nakamura is our accomplished young fiddle player who joined us in the summer of 2006. She has been mentioned in a number of publications as a rising star on the bluegrass scene. She is often introduced as Windy Ridge's 5th tallest member, but with her latest growth surge, this appears soon to change. We enjoy Katie's energy and talent and are glad to have her on board with Windy Ridge. |
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Gwen | Gwen Koyanagi is a seasoned veteran fiddle player who is a recent addition to the Windy Ridge Bluegrass Band. After a number of years away from music, Gwen has decided to begin active participation in the music scene with Windy Ridge. Gwen has the remarkable ability to hear and learn from musicians and apply it to her own repertoire and is a master at arranging twin fiddle tunes and with the addition of another fiddle player (Katie Nakamura), the band is truly fortunate to have two marvelous fiddle players. With Gwen's true talent and musical joy, Windy Ridge is delighted to have her join our ranks. |