SHOW IS NOW SOLD OUT. Always some chance for last minute cancellations, so if you live nearby, you can call and see if any of that has happened. If you miss out here, check out there Facebook page to see what your options are to see them on Saturday and Sunday.

The popular 1970’s bluegrass band is getting together for a reunion! Here at the Carpe will be one of the few chances to catch them, so be sure to call to reserve your seats.

Once again, with blazing fiddle breakdowns to beautifully harmonized ballads, they will recreate the magic of their sound. These events are guaranteed to recharge any latent anti-disco sentiments of the time. Original members Dede Wyland – guitar, and Peter Knupfer – fiddle, Ken Finkel – banjo, and Jim Price (JP) – mandolin, will join with Bluegrass wizard Jon Peik on bass for the reunion dates. In addition, local musician-à-terre, Tom Schwark will supply basso to the group’s a capella renderings just as he did in the group’s heyday. You can expect a nostalgic and more mature revisiting of Bluegrass plus an in-person opportunity to hear one the best vocal trios on any stage – then or now. Here are the specs on some of the old band, as well as info on newcomer Jon Peik.

1977 Members:
Peter B. Knupfer – Fiddle
Ken Finkel – Banjo, Vocals
Dede Wyland – Guitar, Vocals
Jimmy Driskell – Bass, Vocal
Jim Price – Mandolin, Vocals
Tom Schwark – Bass Vocals

Special 2013 Reunion Member:
Jon Peik – Bass

Dede Wyland – Guitar, Vocals

Dede’s pure and compelling voice has enchanted audiences around the globe, and her driving rhythm guitar has powered the sound of many a bluegrass band including the popular Tony Trischka & Skyline and ’Grass, Food & Lodging. As a teacher, she uses her talents to help amateurs and professionals alike discover their voice. Bluegrass Unlimited, in a January 2001 feature article, said that Dede’s “gifts of vocal virtuosity, musical expression, and sheer positive force of personality have made her a valued presence in modern acoustic music.” She is often described as “a singer’s singer.”

Since moving to Maryland in 1990, Dede has become one of the most sought-after vocal instructors in the Washington, DC, area. In addition to her full schedule of private lessons, she has taken her expertise to workshops and music camps from Tucson, Arizona, to Somerset, England. Her recordings and concert performances with the cream of Washington’s bluegrass players earned her the Washington Area Music Association’s “Wammie” awards for 1999 (Female Bluegrass Vocalist) and 2004 (Bluegrass Vocalist).

Peter Knupfer – Fiddle, Vocalizations

Dr. Peter has been a professional bluegrass, folk, swing and jazz fiddle player for over 30 years. He has performed with Byron Berline, Joel Mabus, Alan Munde, Donald Stiernberg, John McCuen, To ny Trischka, Bill Evans, Bill Keith, Tim O’Brien, Peter Wernick, Greg Cahill, Peter Ostroushko and Howard Levy. Peter teaches U.S. History at Michigan State University and lives with his family in East Lansing. “Peter Knupfer is one of those rare and wonderful fiddle players who can do it all,” says mandolin virtuoso Donald Stiernberg. “Peter always brings a joyful intensity to the session and elevates his fellow musicians.”

Jim Price – Mandolin, Vocals

A Milwaukee native, JP has developed enough instrument chops to become one of the area’s most truncated sidemen. Frequently called on by groups missing a “chopstick” JP perilously supplies mandolin, guitar, bass and vocals to the amazement of all and the bemusement of many.

From the very beginning he would attempt the instrument no one else in the group enjoyed – and still does. As a fan once described the experience, “You ain’t heard nothing!” And that, my friend, is definitive!

After years and years on the road, extirpating relationships, the likes of Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Buddy Griffin, Jessie McReynolds, John Parrot, Sam Bush, Vassar Clemmens, Ben Schubert, Bob Shane, Katie Lauer, John Hartford and yes, even the great Jethro Burns – JP has confronted them all – briefly – but that’s sufficient for the man who covets his privacy to the exclusion of frequent appearances.
Jim Price – If you hear him only once, it may just be enough.

Ken Finkel – banjo [Ken seems to have written this and not provided a bio on himself. Ed.]

Jon Peik– bass

Jon Peik has been actively performing and recording with various bands in the Midwest since 1986. From blues and classic country to gospel and bluegrass, his playing is well rounded and tasteful on several instruments. Jon is accomplished on guitar and mandolin as well as 5 string banjo, which is his primary focus. He specializes in the three-finger Scruggs style found in traditional bluegrass, adding elements from blues and country to create melodic and rhythmic interest.

Jon played mandolin, banjo, and keyboard for 8 years with the Pitneys–a gospel band from the Rockford Illinois area. He is a founding member of Madison’s Nob Hill Boys who have been featured on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion.

Jon teaches banjo at Spruce Tree Music in Madison and at Hartland Music in Hartland. He also has been an instructor for the Dane County Bluegrass in the Schools program. In addition to his musical endeavors, Jon works for a small publishing company in Chicago. He currently lives in Wauwatosa with his wife Cathy.