Band Members:
Doug Wells
(Open-backed banjo, tenor banjo, vocals, mandolin, bodhran): When he first
heard the sounds of the Highwood Stringband, Doug knew the open-backed banjo was
for him. 30 years later, his claw-hammer playing style is influenced by banjo greats
such as Dwight Diller, Mike Seeger, and, of course, Walt Koken. Doug has more
recently expanded his music performance to include mandolin and tenor banjo.
Betsy Wells
Probably the most unlikely member of this quartet, Betsy grew up in Houston,
TX, experiencing live music only in church and at symphony concerts. Dancing
was limited to occasional gym classes, social dance in 8th grade, and high school
dances (blah!!). Deep in her soul, she had always felt a strong bond tp
traditional, simple, American folk music, lifestyle and culture. So, there was a
natural draw to Old-Time music. As the Tickwood Stringband evolved, her toes
started to tap and she began to pluck away on the upright bass. Before long, she
was anchoring the rhythm with a strong, simple bass line. For the past few years,
Betsy has also dabbled in Irish Music, learning tunes on the Anglo concertina.
Katy Olson
Ron Roller
Ron grew up on the wide open plains of western North Dakota, where the
'old-time' music scene was at German-Russian wedding dances. Five of his
uncles had polka bands, and a good rendition of the 'Beer Barrel Polka' still
brings a twinge of homesickness. After buying his first cheap Conn guitar in high
school, he developed a passion for folk music and old ballads, playing the
occasional coffee-house. After moving to western Minnesota in the early 80's,
Ron played banjo and sang in the Len-Jay Polka Band for a short year, and at
various community events with his wife (current Tickwoods fiddler Katy Olson).
The years rolled by, kids were born, more tunes were played, and in 2003 he
became the guitar player/vocalist in the Tickwood Stringband. Although his love
of music still ranges from Hank Williams to Richard Thompson to Rachmaninoff
to Frank Zappa, Ron now focuses on traditional old-time (especially the fast
fiddle tunes and the really tragic ballads), with a little bluegrass and gospel
mixed in. His latest musical endeavor is a new (old) banjo ukulele, and he is
enjoying it immensely. So many tunes....so little time.
Doug Wells
(Open-backed banjo, tenor banjo, vocals, mandolin, bodhran): When he first
heard the sounds of the Highwood Stringband, Doug knew the open-backed banjo was
for him. 30 years later, his claw-hammer playing style is influenced by banjo greats
such as Dwight Diller, Mike Seeger, and, of course, Walt Koken. Doug has more
recently expanded his music performance to include mandolin and tenor banjo.
Betsy Wells
Probably the most unlikely member of this quartet, Betsy grew up in Houston,
TX, experiencing live music only in church and at symphony concerts. Dancing
was limited to occasional gym classes, social dance in 8th grade, and high school
dances (blah!!). Deep in her soul, she had always felt a strong bond tp
traditional, simple, American folk music, lifestyle and culture. So, there was a
natural draw to Old-Time music. As the Tickwood Stringband evolved, her toes
started to tap and she began to pluck away on the upright bass. Before long, she
was anchoring the rhythm with a strong, simple bass line. For the past few years,
Betsy has also dabbled in Irish Music, learning tunes on the Anglo concertina.
Katy Olson
Ron Roller
Ron grew up on the wide open plains of western North Dakota, where the
'old-time' music scene was at German-Russian wedding dances. Five of his
uncles had polka bands, and a good rendition of the 'Beer Barrel Polka' still
brings a twinge of homesickness. After buying his first cheap Conn guitar in high
school, he developed a passion for folk music and old ballads, playing the
occasional coffee-house. After moving to western Minnesota in the early 80's,
Ron played banjo and sang in the Len-Jay Polka Band for a short year, and at
various community events with his wife (current Tickwoods fiddler Katy Olson).
The years rolled by, kids were born, more tunes were played, and in 2003 he
became the guitar player/vocalist in the Tickwood Stringband. Although his love
of music still ranges from Hank Williams to Richard Thompson to Rachmaninoff
to Frank Zappa, Ron now focuses on traditional old-time (especially the fast
fiddle tunes and the really tragic ballads), with a little bluegrass and gospel
mixed in. His latest musical endeavor is a new (old) banjo ukulele, and he is
enjoying it immensely. So many tunes....so little time.
Band Bios
 |  |  |  |  |  |
| | | | | |
