Member Bio…

Bill, Brian, Ed, and Gary have come together as The Muleskinner Band, bringing their individual musical backgrounds, experiences, and influences with them. An evening with the Muleskinners will certainly lead one to the conclusion that none are willing to abandon their musical heritages. Hence, the musical offerings on a given evening will span Big Mon to Buck, Patsy to Merle, Gospel to the Drifters, Doobie Brothers to Crosby, Stills, & Nash. Great vocal harmony is a centerpiece of every Muleskinner rendering, as is solid instrumental backing and soloing. An evening with the Muleskinners will certainly include frequent and prolific storytelling, humor, and good-hearted dialogue with the audience. We hope that you enjoy the content here and we hope that this on-line experience encourages you to “come give The Muleskinner Band a listen.”

Bill Purk… Bill (with his trademark hat) is the founding member of the band in 1985. Bill grew up in rural Shelby County where his ancestors had settled from Virginia. A student of historical country and bluegrass music, he began playing in a family band at age 12. Bill is able to play five instruments, but concentrates on the guitar and mandolin. He has written several songs the band performs and serves as the band's storyteller. Bill also serves as the band's music lyric archivist and continually demonstrates his uncanny ability to recall lyrics from literally hundreds (possibly even thousands) of songs released during the past fifty years.

Birthplace: Piqua, OH

Life Experiences: Grew up in rural Shelby County, hunted, fished, and collected junk as a kid. First musical performance involved singing at church at the age of four. Listened to WPFB, Middletown and WMGS, Bowling Green. Attended every country music show that came to town. Graduated from Urbana University(B.S., Education) and University of Dayton(M.S., Counseling)

Musical Influences: Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, McGuire Sisters, Buddy Cox and Dale Duke (regional country singers, Champaign County), Mom & Dad, Troy Herdman, Oscar Ball, Howard "Sang" Sayer, Mike Dean, Lynn Marshall and anyone who sang with a passion.

Family: Wife- Keri, Children- Ali & Caitlin, Mom- Dorothy, Dad- Paul (deceased, 1981), and numerous and loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Extended family includes Scott, Beth, Emma Huffman (foster daughter), and Mark Davis

Instruments: Martin HDLSV 28, McKinley D28 copy, ’65 Gibson F12, McKinley F5 copy, 50's model Gibson J50, used and abused '67 Fender Telecaster

Vices: Eating, trying to breath new life into seemingly useless pieces of farm equipment and worn musical instruments

Heroes: Uncles Verle, Jack, Laurel, and other family members too numerous to mention; a much-revered family in Holmes County whose philosophy and spirituality have been a constant source of inspiration for the entire Muleskinner family

Brian Ehlers… A fourteen year veteran of the band, Brian spends much of his time teaching banjo and repairing instruments. He also plays mandolin, bass, guitar, and fiddle. Brian's knowledge of the history and development of bluegrass, gospel, and traditional music provides the band with an invaluable resource. Prior to his tenure with the Muleskinners, Brian fronted his own band, The Joy Belles.

Birthplace: Dayton, OH

Life Experiences: Grew up in Pleasant Hill, OH

Musical Influences: Hank Williams Sr., Flatt & Scruggs, Lee Dunn (first banjo teacher)

Family: Children- Becky, Jason, & Josh

Instruments: Gibson RB250

Vices: Restoring classic cars, collecting musical instruments

Heroes: Flatt & Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, and Hank Williams, Sr.

Gary Markin… A member with nearly 40 years of performing experience, Gary rejoined the group in 2001 after a six-year absence. His bass playing and singing are an important part of the group's sound. Gary began singing in church with his father, who taught him to play the guitar. His musical experiences have included working with Kevin Mabry and Liberty Street in the 70's and80's, traveling through a seven-state area and opening for numerous major country artists. Gary has fond memories of playing at the first West Virginia Wheeling Jamboree's "Jamboree in the Hills".

Birthplace: Marysville, OH

Life Experiences: Spent childhood in rural Cable, OH, biking, ball playing and kicking the can across eastern Champaign County, sang in church with Mom & Dad

Musical Influences: Richie Blackmore, James Taylor, The Band, Grand Funk Railroad, CSN&Y, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Del McCoury , Eldon & Karl Foulk

Family: Wife Karen, daughter Lara, two cats, a dog, and a rabbit, brother Russ, sister Rita

Instruments: 1978 Music Man Stingray

Vices: Culinary arts, late-night jammin' with friends, baling hay with father-in-law Bob

Heroes: Mom & Dad

Ed Weisenbach… A ten year member of the band, Ed began his musical career by playing saxophone and clarinet in the elementary school band, studying the saxophone further with "Hap" Ashenfelter. He picked up the guitar several years later and began playing rock and country music in various bands throughout his high school and college years. During the 70's & 80's, Ed enjoyed stints with several country acts in the Ohio area.

Birthplace: Hamilton, OH

Life Experiences: Spent his boyhood hunting &fishing, attended coin & gun shows with his father, and listened to 60's rock & roll

Musical Influences: Mills Brothers, "Hap" Ashenfelter, Ray Conniff, Dave Workman, Clapton, Ted Nugent, Albert King, Buck Owens

Family: Wife Katherine, daughters Jessica & Sara, stepson Joel, mother Betty, sister Jane, father Walter(deceased), numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, and (cat) Muffin

Instruments: Collings Clarence White model, Collings D2H, Taylors 810 & 814,'72 Les Paul, Tele, & Strat

Vices: Woodworking, lawn & garden equipment, musical instruments

Heroes: Mom & Dad, Grandma & Grandpa Blakeley, Grandma Weisenbach, Uncle Bill, "Hap" Ashenfelter, Jim Kincaid, Bob Durst, Phil Keaggy, Johnny Hiland

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