This week we welcome the Greater Ozarks Bluegrass Society!
The Greater Ozarks Bluegrass Society is a Springfield based organization commited to preserving, and promoting Bluegrass and traditional music in the Ozarks through education and exposure or local Missouri Bluegrass groups.
The group coming to perform with us is comprised of:
David Maravilla-Giutar, began his pursuit of bluegrass in the late 70's. He assisted in forming the band, Second Wind, whose personnel included Rhonda Vincent, and later, Alison Krauss. Afterward, David was invited to join Alison in her band, Union Station, to enter the 1988 S.P.B.G.M.A International Band Contest, which they won. David is the President of GOBS.
Leevon DeCourley-Bass, grew up in rural southeast Missouri near the community of Arab. He attended college at Southeast Missouri State University during which time he worked with bands such as The Men of the Week and Tommy Brown and the County Line Grass. Leevon now makes his home in Crane, Missouri with his wife Kadee along with their son Walker and soon to be DeCourley Baby #2, due in March. Leevon is working to bring bluegrass to the forefront in the Crane area through events such as Bluegrass on the Backstage at the Crane Broiler Festival and other jams and events throughout the area. Leevon is the Vice-President of GOBS.
Gil Turk-Banjo, grew up on a farm in the Springfield area, Gil says,I starting playing banjo when I was about 13 and after I discovered Earl Scruggs, I was totally obsessed. I found gobs at about the same time and it was instrumental, no pun intended, in helping me grow as a bluegrass musician. I met so many wonderful people through gobs who helped me a lot, chief amongst those were Roy and Betty Jo Craft, with whom I played in my first band. Gil currently play in two bands, Missouri 65 and Ozark Mountain Five, the former on banjo and the latter on mandolin. Gil is 21 and out of college. Gil currently does landscaping for Ryan Lawn and Tree, but hopes to be a conservation agent soon. Gil is a board member with GOBS.
Mark Withers-Mandolin, started playing mandolin and guitar at age 13. He played with his dad Luther and uncle Russell's bluegrass band, The Bluegrass Ramblers, for several years, playing numerous shows with Jim & Jesse, The Lewis Family and Bill Monroe. Mark also fronted his own band for years, and for almost 20 years co-hosted a bluegrass gospel program, Believers Bluegrass, with close friend Gene Reasoner, and was emcee and stage manager at the Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival for 37 years. Mark is the Executive Director of GOBS.
Bill Gage-Fiddle, started playing fiddle at 7 but found bluegrass about 20 years ago. Early bands Bill played with include The Roving Gamblers, South 14 and JC Bonds. Bill is one of the founding members of Big Mill and has played fiddle with them for over 10 years. Bill also plays mandolin for George’s Creek. He lives near Harrison AR. Bill is a member of GOBS.
For more information, call 417-880-0343 or www.GoBluegrass.org.