Barb, is also a talented visual artist.  The Ramblers heard her perform at an “open mic” program at the Kentucky Theater in Louisville several years ago and immediately felt she could contribute greatly to the band.  Wonderful harmonies have developed as a result and she does some super solo work as well.  She's also an avid finger-picking guitarist and can really get rolling when she picks one up.  But her true love is playing mandolin; she owns several and has become quite proficient on the instrument.  As mentioned above, she has jumped into lead singing with both feet.  Here's an example: Fever.  Potluck is delighted to have her on-board.  Barb is an employee of Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church, working with young adults and assisting the Pastor during Sunday services.  She has even conducted a few Sunday morning services!  Say "amen" for Barb!        

As mentioned on the Home Page, The original Ramblers met at a Potluck dinner, thus the name.  Although their musical backgrounds vary, they have become close friends and creators of their own version of Bluegrass, Folk, Blues and a little of the old time Rock & Roll.  Audiences really enjoy the old rock and roll favorites, like “Blue Moon,” “I’ve Just Seen a Face,” “I’m Walkin,” “Hello Mary Lou,” and many others from that era.  The band has even gotten into the old oldies, like "Sunny Side of the Street" and "I'm gonna sit right down and write myself a letter." 

A FEW MORE FACTS OF WHICH YOU SHOULD PROBABLY BE AWARE:

Some people might think the Ramblers have an identity crisis.  We sometimes wonder what kind of music we actually play, so we must honestly note that we are often confused about ourselves, ourselves. 

For instance, as mentioned above, our banjo player still has all his fingers, so we know he is not an "Old Time" banjo player.  Old Time banjo players can lose up to 5 fingers, still with no affect their performance.  We do agree, however, that the fact Kyle has all his fingers doesn't seem to affect his performance; so we still aren't sure what kind of music he (or we) play(s). 

And we also note that if you are a Bluegrass band, then you must have a mandolin player (Old Time bands do not have one).  We have a mandolin player, so that qualifies us as a Bluegrass band.  Barb, our mandolin player, spends half her time tuning and the other half playing out of tune.  That one fact alone qualifies her to play in an "Old Time" music band (if indeed they ever have a mandolin player); but it also qualifies her to play with Potluck, since tuning is also a major priority of our banjo player (and we should say here that he mostly plays out of tune himself).  We should take a minute here to say the band is very proud that we mostly play in the same key! 

You have probably noticed that Bluegrass Bass players always play right on the first beat, never missing the beginning of a song.  Bob, our Bass player, thus qualifies for Bluegrass; and when he begins, the band had better come in with him; if we don't, he'll most likely continue playing anyway.  Blood alcohol level determines just how long he'll continue playing without the rest of the band.  Actually, that probably qualifies him to play Old Time, Rock & Roll, or Bluegrass music (or numerous other kinds of music). 

Now, as to the guitar player; he or she is is usually the band's leader and the band is usually willing to follow him or her.  That fact is the same for Rock & Roll, Old Time, or Bluegrass music.  So far, so good.  The Old Time guitar player plays in the keys of G and C and with the same fingering, uses a capo to play in the keys of D and A.  Bluegrass guitar players can play in the key of E-flat and not even think of using a capo (most can't even spell that word).  It's evident that Jim leans more toward the "Old Time" guitar player.  The band has  noticed that Jim does manage to play a minor chord now and again and if given a little time (5 but certainly not more than 10 seconds), he can play a B or Bb chord without a capo.  However, the band must be very patient with him when he attempts this fete (he tends to tear up under too much pressure).  Bluegrass guitar players do not cry.  Old Time guitar players do cry, but only when the song they are singing reflect their life (which is quite often).  Rock & Roll players don't cry, they sweat.  Jim does sweat a lot, so maybe he qualifies for that kind of music; who knows? 

Maybe this will serve to explain why Potluck is always so confused, or perhaps it will tell you that we just love having fun.   And, our band name is a great reference for playing a musical banquet, with something on the menu for everyone!      

The above is all tongue in cheek of course - we love making music together! 

MEANWHILE........................

If you like Potluck's music, you can let them know by clicking: HERE

And if you do, you will be added to the Potluck e-mail list, to let you know about future gigs

Here's another tune for you:

 Up on the roof 2.mp3 Jim, Vocal & Guitar - Words & Music, Carol King                                              

                            One of Jim's favorites by Carol King - he also loves "Take good care of my baby," a Bobby Vee hit from the 60s that Carol co-wrote                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                    WANT TO KEEP ON MOVIN?'