Copper Kettle

Fred Skellenger - Born in Stuart, FL, I've lived in Independence and Kansas City, MO, Chicago, and Brooklyn, NY. I picked up a mandolin in 2001 and fell in love with it. My many influences include, Mike Compton, Ronnie McCoury, and Wayne Benson. I am self taught. I love old Blues and Country, and anything that has not sold it's soul! I play a 1991 "Butchered" Flatiron F5 Artist. I also spend time writing songs.

Dave Stephens - I started pickin' the banjo as a sophomore in college. My addiction hasn't let up since. Hailing from south Alabama, I relocated to New York in the fall of 2006. Self-taught, my influences include John Hartford, Earl Scruggs, Danny Barnes and Mike West as major influences. Currently, I play a Gibson RB4, which I named "Lazarus" since it has survived three breaks to the headstock.

Mike Gerbec - Born in Atlanta, GA, I've done time in Chicago, Colorado, and California. Bluegrass bit me in the Rocky Mountains and I bit it back in the Bay Area. My favorite guitar lesson was with Eric Thompson, who, among his many musical accomplishments, was pals with Clarence White, a huge influence in my playing. I like soulful music in all genres, but especially stuff that's a little rough around the edges. My wife appropriately calls my 1967 D-18 "my other woman."

Jason Hogue - Hailing from the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, I landed in NYC in the Fall of 2003. Since my arrival I have been engaged in a diverse musical environment ranging from Bluegrass to Jazz to North Indian Classical. Of the many great musicians that I have studied with, the ones who've had the strongest impact on my development include Edgar Meyer, Sal Mosca, and Snehasish Mozumder. I perform frequently with many local groups.