The Band:

George Wong- Banjo, Vocals
Phil DeCarlis- Bass, Vocals
Dennis Gillham- Fiddle, Vocals
Steve Quinn- Dobro
Barry Smith (not pictured)- Guitar, Vocals
Howard Follis- Rhythm Guitar
Rodney Quinn- Mandolin, Vocals

Bio

“Lonesome Hollow” was born out of the lifelong interest in Bluegrass music that Rodney Quinn (mandolin/lead vocal) and Steve Quinn (Dobro) shared while growing up in the Midwest and particularly in the Ozarks. As brothers and as family they sang and played many of the songs that were of the old tradition and also those songs being created during the “roots” music revival of the 1970’s.

It seems musicians find other musicians (even if wearing different hats in life) and so in the last two years with regular jams these seven amateur musicians have gathered. It was not until about a year ago that the name “Lonesome Hollow” came about and it stuck. The name is derived from a dairy farm that was long ago on the location of the current Quinn homestead and is also the location of the band’s regular weekly practices.

The other musicians of “Lonesome Hollow” have had varied experiences with music of all kinds. If you ask him, Barry Smith (guitar/vocals) has been playing guitar for what he describes as “too long” and he is no stranger to Bluegrass. He has played with various groups since 1978 and eventually met up with Rodney in 1992 and has been playing with him off and on since then. Howard Follis (rhythm guitar) has been studying guitar since the tender age of 8 years but did not become interested in Bluegrass until he took up the banjo in college. He has since gone full circle as LH’s solid rhythm guitarist. Dennis Gillham,(vocals, fiddle) has enjoyed music all his life and also plays the guitar and sings with his church contemporary choir. The guys of LH consider this choir experience the “warm up” for his solid vocals in their band. George Wong (banjo/vocals) comes from many years of training in classical piano and classical guitar. Switching to Bluegrass music might seem strange to some, but he has always been intrigued by the sound and complex rhythms of the banjo and in the last few years has enjoyed studying this uniquely American instrument. Phil Decarlis,(bass/vocals) has loved music of all kinds and considers himself a “jack-of-all-trades.” When it comes to instruments he has demonstrated his virtuosity in his quick study of the bass. George and Phil met just two years ago when John Wynn, (luthier and member of SouthWynn) introduced them to each other at his instrument workshop. Soon after that happenstance encounter and spontaneous jam session, Phil was invited to join LH to complete the ensemble.

With this varied experience in music, the members of “Lonesome Hollow” bring to you their love of playing traditional Bluegrass together. They hope you share their love of this music as well.

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