Pickin' at the Deines - Musician Profiles
Provided by Linda Olson
BOB ROE
Bob Roe has been active since its inception, and told us he started with Frances Giebler. Bob plays the upright base, using the method of plucking, as opposed to using a bow. The bass is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra. The mellow sound just adds a finished touch to any song. The bass is used in a range of other genres, such as jazz, 1950s-style blues and rock and roll, rockabilly/psychobilly, traditional country music, bluegrass, tango and many types of folk music, and the base dates back to the 15th century.
He enjoys bluegrass like so many of the musicians that attend the jam sessions. Playing by ear, Bob picks up the music in a matter of minutes. He is a regular at the Pumpkin Patch, which is an wonderful outdoor event held south of Dorrance, KS. Like Ron Raymer, Bob has played there for 6-8 yrs. His quick wit adds to the hayrides, bringing extra fun to the fresh air.
When asked for further comments about the jam sessions, Bob was quick to emphasize it is an acoustic event and stressed regardless of what you believe your professional level might be, that the sessions are open to everyone who wants to play. He personally invited all who play an instrument to join us on the 3rd Sunday of each month.
Bob Roe has been active since its inception, and told us he started with Frances Giebler. Bob plays the upright base, using the method of plucking, as opposed to using a bow. The bass is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra. The mellow sound just adds a finished touch to any song. The bass is used in a range of other genres, such as jazz, 1950s-style blues and rock and roll, rockabilly/psychobilly, traditional country music, bluegrass, tango and many types of folk music, and the base dates back to the 15th century.
He enjoys bluegrass like so many of the musicians that attend the jam sessions. Playing by ear, Bob picks up the music in a matter of minutes. He is a regular at the Pumpkin Patch, which is an wonderful outdoor event held south of Dorrance, KS. Like Ron Raymer, Bob has played there for 6-8 yrs. His quick wit adds to the hayrides, bringing extra fun to the fresh air.
When asked for further comments about the jam sessions, Bob was quick to emphasize it is an acoustic event and stressed regardless of what you believe your professional level might be, that the sessions are open to everyone who wants to play. He personally invited all who play an instrument to join us on the 3rd Sunday of each month.
JOHN MAKINGS
John Makings lives in Great Bend and brings to our Jam Session a variety of drums. Some, he has made himself and others he has purchased. John stretches his drum heads using deer, calf, and buffalo hide. The bases of the drums can be barn wood, metal cylinders, or other found objects. It takes about 7 -8 hours to complete a single drum.
Playing at his first drum circle in Canada about 10 years ago with Deepak Chopra, drum circles quickly became his favorite forum. John believes drumming open communication between individuals. Initially, drums were used among tribes as a way to exchange information.
Creating drum circles in a variety of arenas, school lyceums, community celebrations, and art and music classrooms, John travels with up to seventy-one drums and an assortment of other instruments such as bells, whistles, tambourines, maracas, rattles, shakers, and anything else that can keep simple rhythms.
If you are interested in planning a drum circle, John can be reached at an email johnm@thecentergb.org.
John Makings lives in Great Bend and brings to our Jam Session a variety of drums. Some, he has made himself and others he has purchased. John stretches his drum heads using deer, calf, and buffalo hide. The bases of the drums can be barn wood, metal cylinders, or other found objects. It takes about 7 -8 hours to complete a single drum.
Playing at his first drum circle in Canada about 10 years ago with Deepak Chopra, drum circles quickly became his favorite forum. John believes drumming open communication between individuals. Initially, drums were used among tribes as a way to exchange information.
Creating drum circles in a variety of arenas, school lyceums, community celebrations, and art and music classrooms, John travels with up to seventy-one drums and an assortment of other instruments such as bells, whistles, tambourines, maracas, rattles, shakers, and anything else that can keep simple rhythms.
If you are interested in planning a drum circle, John can be reached at an email johnm@thecentergb.org.
RON RAYMER
Ron Raymer is a long standing musician with the Centers Jam session.
He enjoys bluegrass, and has attended the Walnut Valley Bluegrass festival since 1974, which has been in place as of September for 43 years. Ron advised the annual event is often a family affair, staying at the festival for sometimes 5 – 6 days. The festival is a place where he can really get into his love of the genre. He plays uke, mandolin, the auto harp, washboard, spoons, the stick (literally a long pole with bells and other rhythm shakers attached). At the Deines, he often leads singing while he plays and is always willing to join in with other musicians.
He told us he is basically self-taught, learning from other family members and his environment in the world of music. Other areas he has performed include the Pumpkin Patch, located south of Dorrance, and he and other fellow musicians have been playing there on the hay ride for about 6 – 8 yrs. He enjoys vintage automobiles and often his vacations are spent traveling America’s older byways, like Route 66.
He has been playing at the Jam Sessions since the inception of the event.
Ron Raymer is a long standing musician with the Centers Jam session.
He enjoys bluegrass, and has attended the Walnut Valley Bluegrass festival since 1974, which has been in place as of September for 43 years. Ron advised the annual event is often a family affair, staying at the festival for sometimes 5 – 6 days. The festival is a place where he can really get into his love of the genre. He plays uke, mandolin, the auto harp, washboard, spoons, the stick (literally a long pole with bells and other rhythm shakers attached). At the Deines, he often leads singing while he plays and is always willing to join in with other musicians.
He told us he is basically self-taught, learning from other family members and his environment in the world of music. Other areas he has performed include the Pumpkin Patch, located south of Dorrance, and he and other fellow musicians have been playing there on the hay ride for about 6 – 8 yrs. He enjoys vintage automobiles and often his vacations are spent traveling America’s older byways, like Route 66.
He has been playing at the Jam Sessions since the inception of the event.
DALLAS SMITH
Dallas Smith grew up in Russell County, raised his 3 children here, and is an active participant in the Jam Sessions here at the Deines Center.
Like many other musicians, Dallas is self-taught, beginning in High School in 1969 where he joined his first band. He has played with a number of bands, due to his versatility with a variety of instruments including; the trumpet, drums, and bass guitar.
He enjoys all kinds of music, including blues, early rock n roll, gospel, and country. For a brief time Dallas joined the Dutchmasters and played polkas, perhaps a stretch from the norm.
He adds to the music with his vocals, yet he does not read music. He has always had a great ear, and can basically pick up any tune and fulfill accompaniment.
He appreciates the jam sessions, admitting sometimes it is hard work just getting here, but once he arrives, his passion for music kicks in and it is difficult to go home!!
Dallas Smith grew up in Russell County, raised his 3 children here, and is an active participant in the Jam Sessions here at the Deines Center.
Like many other musicians, Dallas is self-taught, beginning in High School in 1969 where he joined his first band. He has played with a number of bands, due to his versatility with a variety of instruments including; the trumpet, drums, and bass guitar.
He enjoys all kinds of music, including blues, early rock n roll, gospel, and country. For a brief time Dallas joined the Dutchmasters and played polkas, perhaps a stretch from the norm.
He adds to the music with his vocals, yet he does not read music. He has always had a great ear, and can basically pick up any tune and fulfill accompaniment.
He appreciates the jam sessions, admitting sometimes it is hard work just getting here, but once he arrives, his passion for music kicks in and it is difficult to go home!!
TYLER SMITH
Tyler Smith is a Russell native, son of Dallas Smith. He and his dad contribute so much to the Deines Jam Sessions. Tyler told us he is self taught, along with help from his Dad. However he has studied music theory, reads music, and also plays by ear. He has a good voice and great memory for lyrics!
Tyler plays guitars, including a DoBro and the piano. He enjoys country, rock, gospel and is willing to play along with anything being heard at the jam sessions.
Tyler has only been participating at the sessions for about 3 years. Previously he was in Nashville, where he had the opportunity to be in a recording studio for Session players, doing the soundboard mixing.
His comment about the jam sessions included that he enjoyed the variety of music and interacting with other musicians. He said it was a great opportunity to relax and enhance his own skills.
Tyler Smith is a Russell native, son of Dallas Smith. He and his dad contribute so much to the Deines Jam Sessions. Tyler told us he is self taught, along with help from his Dad. However he has studied music theory, reads music, and also plays by ear. He has a good voice and great memory for lyrics!
Tyler plays guitars, including a DoBro and the piano. He enjoys country, rock, gospel and is willing to play along with anything being heard at the jam sessions.
Tyler has only been participating at the sessions for about 3 years. Previously he was in Nashville, where he had the opportunity to be in a recording studio for Session players, doing the soundboard mixing.
His comment about the jam sessions included that he enjoyed the variety of music and interacting with other musicians. He said it was a great opportunity to relax and enhance his own skills.
DANNY HORACHEK
Danny Horachek is a musician from Munjor, Ks. He is relatively new to the jam sessions, attending only about 2 years.
He started playing with a grade school band playing trombone, tuba, piano, and banjo. The banjo is what he brings to the jam sessions and does a fine job of contributing.
He likes old rock, country, and bluegrass. He has really enjoyed jamming with other musicians, and believes the Deines Center has created a very good opportunity to musicians of all levels to utilize their skills.
Danny Horachek is a musician from Munjor, Ks. He is relatively new to the jam sessions, attending only about 2 years.
He started playing with a grade school band playing trombone, tuba, piano, and banjo. The banjo is what he brings to the jam sessions and does a fine job of contributing.
He likes old rock, country, and bluegrass. He has really enjoyed jamming with other musicians, and believes the Deines Center has created a very good opportunity to musicians of all levels to utilize their skills.
DON KELLEY
Don Kelley and his wife Sharon are from Larned. They have been part of the jam sessions for about 3 yrs. Don plays guitar and his wife Sharon joins in the singing with the group.
His preference for music is country and rock n roll. He started playing music in his first band, 1965. Don brings his music stand and sheet music, adding a professional touch to the afternoon’s music.
They have indicated their future plans may not include the jam sessions, due to the fact they want to relocate to Idaho to be closer to their children and other relatives. They are waiting on the sale of their home in Larned. Until that happens, we have the pleasure of their attendance.
Don Kelley and his wife Sharon are from Larned. They have been part of the jam sessions for about 3 yrs. Don plays guitar and his wife Sharon joins in the singing with the group.
His preference for music is country and rock n roll. He started playing music in his first band, 1965. Don brings his music stand and sheet music, adding a professional touch to the afternoon’s music.
They have indicated their future plans may not include the jam sessions, due to the fact they want to relocate to Idaho to be closer to their children and other relatives. They are waiting on the sale of their home in Larned. Until that happens, we have the pleasure of their attendance.
LINUS SARVER
Linus Sarver was raised on the family farm near Osborne, Kansas. Saturday nights were spent listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio. Linus developed a consuming love for Country Gospel Music during his nine years of piano lessons. He played for Church and in several weekend Dance Bands while attending high school.
After completing an enlistment in the 43rd Army Band, Linus wrote his first book, “The New Approach to Music Theory”. He enjoys arranging and performing the music to accompany his vocals.
Linus is an accomplished musician on multiple instruments. The instruments include: the piano, organ, keyboard synthesizers, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, electric drums, banjo, and mandolin.
Country Gospel, Blue Grass Gospel, and Blues/Boogie are a major influence on Linus Sarver’s music styles. Linus collaborates with many singers/songwriters and composers. He has also recorded locally and in Nashville, Tennessee. Linus has built his reputation as an accomplished songwriter, vocalist and piano player with years of performing experience nationwide.
Linus dedicates his “Songs of Faith” album to joyfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
His second album, “Tickling the Ivories” is a celebration of lively piano favorites that everybody grew up with. The album has the distinction of being recorded at the Deines Cultural Center in 2009.
Linus Sarver performs Country Gospel Music Concerts for Churches, County Fairs, and Special Gospel Music events.
Linus Sarver was raised on the family farm near Osborne, Kansas. Saturday nights were spent listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio. Linus developed a consuming love for Country Gospel Music during his nine years of piano lessons. He played for Church and in several weekend Dance Bands while attending high school.
After completing an enlistment in the 43rd Army Band, Linus wrote his first book, “The New Approach to Music Theory”. He enjoys arranging and performing the music to accompany his vocals.
Linus is an accomplished musician on multiple instruments. The instruments include: the piano, organ, keyboard synthesizers, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, electric drums, banjo, and mandolin.
Country Gospel, Blue Grass Gospel, and Blues/Boogie are a major influence on Linus Sarver’s music styles. Linus collaborates with many singers/songwriters and composers. He has also recorded locally and in Nashville, Tennessee. Linus has built his reputation as an accomplished songwriter, vocalist and piano player with years of performing experience nationwide.
Linus dedicates his “Songs of Faith” album to joyfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
His second album, “Tickling the Ivories” is a celebration of lively piano favorites that everybody grew up with. The album has the distinction of being recorded at the Deines Cultural Center in 2009.
Linus Sarver performs Country Gospel Music Concerts for Churches, County Fairs, and Special Gospel Music events.