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
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Bill
Purk… Bill (with his trademark hat) is the founding member of the
band in 1985. Bill grew up in rural Birthplace: Life Experiences: Grew up in
rural 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, |
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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: Life Experiences: Grew up in 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. |
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Birthplace: Life Experiences: Spent
childhood in rural Cable, OH, biking, ball playing and kicking the can across
eastern 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 |
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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 Birthplace: 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 |