History with Bluegrass: I started playing violin when I was four years old and studied classical music through college. I always enjoyed experimenting with alternative styles of music; I’d learn fiddle and Celtic tunes as a kid, but didn’t get into bluegrass until I was a little older.
While in college, I met a few guys who had a trio going – guitar, mandolin, and bass. I started playing some gigs with them. We became good friends and I developed not only a healthy taste for Bill Monroe and the Stanley Brothers but also bourbon. Over the four or five years I spent at Michigan State, we learned many tunes together, played a lot of gigs, and stayed up into the wee hours countless times. If it weren’t for these guys befriending me, I wouldn’t be here now.
Favorite Musicians: The first bluegrass CD that I really listened to was a Bill Monroe record from the 40’s. To say it caught my attention would be an understatement. Bill Monroe was the man. I trashed the CD so badly from constant use that a girlfriend bought me a new copy so she wouldn’t have to listen to the constant skips and subsequent complaints made by me.
As far as gospel tunes and harmonies go, I like listening to the Stanley Brothers.
Living/ gigging musicians that I enjoy listening to include the Del McCoury Band, David Grisman, Henhouse Prowlers, and Pert Near Sandstone.
Favorite Part About Being In West End: It’s fun to play with the West End String Band. There’s really not more to it than that. Every member is a high-caliber musician and good friend.
Other pastimes: I spend most days teaching kids to play string instruments. This eats up a lot of my time and energy. When I’m not working, I try to play or listen to music. Practice is one thing there is never enough of. When I’m not playing music, I like to garden, hike, read, and unsuccessfully fly-fish.