What more can be said of singer/songwriter/humorist/storyteller Antsy McClain that has not already been said? He is one of those proud Americans that count themselves among a select group known as trailer park dwellers. Growing up in a small Kentucky trailer park called Pine View Heights, McClain had what he calls “a memorable and idyllic childhood,” filled with colorful characters and extraordinary events. Life in Pine View Heights has given McClain a wealth of experience from which to draw – and write. Penning the lyrics and music to nine Trailer Park Troubadour albums, as well as his own, critically-acclaimed solo record, Time-Sweetened Lies, McClain is fast becoming one of the most respected songwriters in Americana/Roots music today.

McClain grew up hearing all styles of music in Pine View Heights. Antsy (whose given name was Ronnie Joe – the nickname “Antsy” being pronounced upon him by a junior high school football coach) devoured every kind of music he could find. He listened to everything from Bill Monroe to Aretha Franklin, from Steely Dan to George Jones, until eventually, he was more confused than most of his peer, who listened strictly to 70’s commercial pop radio. This confusion formed the basis for his songwriting, and explains the almost schizophrenic nature of his recording projects. Late nights listening to diverse radio programs like The Grand Ol' Opry and Dr. Demento further cemented his unique outlook toward music and entertainment.

Antsy’s band, The Trailer Park Troubadours, are a skilled assortment of musicians who play in the rootsy, rock and roll tradition of their hard-working, blue collar forefathers. McClain calls the music “Folkabilly,” and their live shows are a unique, critically-acclaimed mix of masterful musicianship and self-deprecating humor for all ages. The Troubs, as they are called by fans (also known affectionately as Flamingoheads), are committed to taking their unique blend of music around the globe, showing up wherever they’re invited – and then some.

Aside from being a singer and band leader, Antsy McClain is also a visual artist, whose drawings and paintings have appeared in magazines and books. Having lived in Japan in the early 80’s, McClain is fluent in Japanese, and worked as an interpreter for the automotive industry through Kentucky and Tennessee while working on his songwriting and making music contacts in Nashville. Since graduating high school, he has worked as a construction worker, tree trimmer, factory worker, dish washer, tour guide, and teacher, which, along with singing his songs to friends, remains one of his favorite occupations.

Having co-produced the past 7 Troub albums, Antsy enjoyed his first role as producer on his latest collection of songs, called Trailercana. The album features Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, Bobby Cochran of Steppenwolf, Tommy Smothers, Bonnie Bramlett, as well as other gifted musicians.

You can visit Antsy's website at http://www.antsy.net

Married Antsy in Pine View Heights many moons ago and has suffered alongside him through good and bad. Antsy and Polly have 5 children. She is currently going to nursing school to become an RN and likes chocolate and walks on the beach.

Dan Becker is one of those musicians who can play a multitude of instruments.  He joined with the Troubs around late 2005 and has provided some pizzazz on keyboards and accordion.

Dan is a regular performing member of the Western U.S. version of the Troubs and is also a member of the group Extra Large.  Dan also works a "day job" with E-MU Music Systems which is a leading developer of digital audio products to serve musicians and audio professionals, so he also has the technical knowledge of the electronic keyboards and instruments that are used by the Trailer Park Troubadours.

Buddy currently alternates his time as a student and West Coast traveler, surfer, ponderer, and happens to be an excellent drummer following in the musical heritage of his father Antsy McClain. He typically performs with the Troubs in the Western half of the U.S., but does show up occasionally in Nashville and other places for shows.

Photo by Marc Manning

Bobby got his start with the Troubs after assisting Antsy McClain on his Time-Sweetened Lies CD.  He joined with Pauly Zarb up in Buffalo, KY, at Eddie Mattingly's studio to record some live pieces that will be released at a future date.  They hit it off well and Bobby's playing style suits the group well.

Jimmy is one of those rare guitarists who can play any style.  He joined with the Trailer Park Troubadours in 1999 and has been a staple member of the group.  His on stage persona is a perfect match for Antsy and the Troubs.

Jimmy has been playing the guitar since he was 6 and was mentored by the late great Gene Davis who was the lead guitarist for Eddie Cochran and Roger Miller.  He also had a stint as a DJ for KPIG radio in Freedom, CA, which is where he first became associated with Antsy and the Troubs.

Besides the Troubs, J. j. stays busy as occasional lead guitarist for Jo-El Sonnier, the King of Cajun, and in the past has collaborated on projects with Jerry Miller (Moby Grape) and Steve Marriott (Small Faces/Humble Pie). He has also worked as a songwriter for VIG Music in LA and Acuff-Rose Music in Nashville.

Jimmy is most excited about his newest project, which is to help develop and market the latest and highly anticipated guitar from Gibson/Steinberger.

Mr. Jackson has released numerous solo albums, most recently  "no words" (which is available on the Troubs' MP3 store as a download) and his newest CD, Careful Do Not Disturb the Beautiful Dreamers which also has some work by fellow Troub member Dan Becker.  He is also the Music Supervisor and Composer of the soundtrack to the upcoming movieThe Tao of Surfing (see the website) which is based on the Pulitzer Prize nominated novel of the same name.

Jimmy generally performs with the Troubs in the Western U.S., but can be seen with them anywhere in the country and will also be the main guitar force for them on the Polyesterfest Cruise in February 2007. He also accompanies Antsy on many of his solo and acoustic shows around the country. He can be heard on every Troubs' CD since Living in Aluminum.

You can visit Jimmy's website at http://jimmyjacksonmusic.com

Photo by Marc Manning

Nearsighted Willy has been a fixture with the Troubs at Bass Guitar and Sax for many years. Though he is the smallest member in physical stature, he is tall in terms of musicianship and skills. Willy can be heard playing Saxophone, Bass Guitar and singing Background Vocals on various Troub albums including Living In Aluminum, Trailercana and Merry Christmas from the Trailer Park.

You can visit Mike's MySpace site at http://www.myspace.com/mikerosenproductions

Photo by Bobby Cochran

Photo by Marc Manning

   Spoonz joined The Troubs in the summer of 2004 playing gigs on the east coast and occasionally California and Canada. The origin of his nickname is unknown.  We believe it could be that the first drumsticks he used were spoons, or it has something to do with the shape of his head.  Nevertheless, he was born and raised in Tennessee and is an active drummer/multi-percussionist in the Nashville area.  Spoonz has proudly been labeled as theatre drummer playing 40+ different shows over the years in various theatres throughout Tennessee.  He also plays and sings with The Island Wave Steel Drum Band and his current jazz fusion project "Fuse".

     His alter-ego, Chris Long, is the VP of Operations of Innovative Percussion, a manufacturer of quality drum sticks, mallets, brushes and other percussion tools.

     Spoonz can be heard on The Troubs latest album Merry Christmas from the Trailer Park singing background vocals and playing percussion.  He will also be accompanying The Troubs on the Polyesterfest Cruise in 2007.

Spoonz typically usually performs with the Troubs in the Eastern U.S. venues.

You can visit Spoonz MySpace site at http://www.myspace.com/percdrums

Hailing out of sunny California, Loose Bruce has been a fixture for the Troubs since 1999, when they first made their way to California. He played in the first show the Troubs ever did in Santa Cruz (available as a download on the MP3 Store!!).  He can be heard on the live tracks on Living in Aluminum and did the horns and the horn arrangements on Trailercana and Merry Christmas from the Trailer Park. He also can be heard on the steel guitar on Falling in Love in America and Prozac Made Me Stay on the Trailercana album.

Bruce has played with Jerry Lee Lewis, recorded with Graham Nash & the Bellamy Brothers. A member of the Academy of Country Music's house band, he worked with Vince Gill, Charlie Daniels, Pam Tillis, Kathy Mattea, Foster and Lloyd. He has also worked with Hank Thompson, The Coasters, as well as recording with multi-platinum band The Gin Blossoms.  Besides playing with the Troubs, Bruce is also a member of the Stanimals, a group of seasoned professional musicians and operating out of Santa Cruz, CA.  He also occasionally plays pedal steel for the Little Wheels Band, a West Coast Roots Rock and Americana band.  He is an accomplished pedal steel player and also plays the dobro.  He has also played with guitarist Albert Lee.

Bruce performs with the Troubs in all of their Western US shows and will be with them on the Polyesterfest Cruise in February 2007.

Photos by Marc Manning

Pauly Zarb is an accomplished singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His love of music began at an early age. Being the youngest of six boys in a musical family, Pauly was totally immersed in music as a natural part of his childhood.

As a boy, Pauly’s musical journey continued through Suzuki lessons in violin, classical piano and classical flute which fine-tuned his ear. Throughout his school days, Pauly was involved in marching bands and concert bands. Singing was integral to the family’s music and Pauly developed a beautiful melodic voice.

Pauly’s latest recording is an EP of two original songs - Have a Little Faith and Forgiven Past.  Both recordings have a full-band arrangement with fantastic musicians playing on the EP.  In 2004/05. Pauly performed and launched these songs for the first time on television for the K.E.T Program and Live at Lunch on WFPK Radio in Louisville, Kentucky with his brother Matt on mandolin and guitar and good friend Matt Despain on dobro.

Pauly has performed throughout Australia with successful bands and has always intended taking his music throughout the world. Pauly’s global musical journey started once again with his family, this time his brother Matt. In 2000, Pauly joined up with his brother Matt and formed a successful duo together. See www.mattandpaulyzarb.com  for more details.

In August 2001, Pauly and Matt were invited as nominees to attend the Queensland Sunny Music Awards in Brisbane, Australia for their album “Vincent Road.” They received the Best Folk Album award. His song For the Love of a Child was also nominated and highly commended in the ‘Song Writing Category.’  Matt and Pauly have recorded four CDs together:  Brothers in Shorts, Vincent Road,  Live Album 2002 and Chameleon.

Pauly and his brother Matt co-originated and co-organized “The Zarb Brothers’ Annual Bardstown Street Concert” on July 3 each year. This event has been running for three years and audiences have grown to over 4000 people. In addition to Matt and Pauly, a host of Australian and Kentuckian musicians have performed at this concerts. Fellow Troub-member Antsy McClain performed in the 2006 edition of this show. As well, Trailer Park Troubadours promoter Eddie Dean Mattingly helps in promoting this fabulous show, which also featured Tommy Emmanuel and Pat Kirtley in 2006.

Pauly Zarb’s musical instruments include vocals, piano, keyboard, flute, tin whistle, pan pipes, guitar, percussion and accordion.

Pauly currently performs and records with the Antsy and the Trailer Park Troubadours, mainly in the Eastern U.S., but has also performed in Phoenix and will be both a band member and a guest performer on the Polyesterfest Cruise in February 2007.  In January 2005, Pauly played on Antsy McClain’s album Time-Sweetened Lies along with a host of other musicians such as brother Matt Zarb, Tommy Emmanuel, Pat Kirtley, Bobby Cochran and Lindsey Buckingham, formerly of Fleetwood Mac.  Pauly also accompanied Antsy McClain and Bobby Cochran at a live studio recording in September 2005 at Trinity Music Productions, which is owned by Eddie Mattingly.

You can visit Pauly's website at http://www.paulyzarb.com

Brian has an extensive music background both in performance and in events management.  Formerly the Events Manager for Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, in Nashville, Brian now handles the day to day business affairs of the Trailer Park Troubadours.

Brian also has some recording background, having performed on Gregor Southard Art Before Artist - A Spiritual Travelogue, where his singing is compared to Dan Fogelberg and James Taylor.

Brian can be reached at bgavron@comcast.net for booking the Trailer Park Troubadours or Antsy McClain.

Sue is the real workhorse for the Trailer Park Troubadours and has been associated with the group for more than five years.  Working out of her home in California, she is the one that ships all those CDs that are purchased.  She also handles all of the details of the Troubs' cruises, including the upcoming Polyesterfest 2007.  When the Troubs are performing in California, which has their greatest fan base, she also serves as the road manager and sometimes even the equipment hauler.

Sue can be contacted at sue@unhitched.com

Photos by Marc Manning

He is known as just Eddie to most of his friends and Eddie Dean to Antsy, Tommy Emmanuel and his mother. He was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky just a few miles from Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace. Eddie grew up listening to his dad’s AM radio and hearing the Wayne Rainy Country Music Show from Cleveland on Friday nights and the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday nights. When he was about ten he discovered rock-n-roll on WAKY-AM radio in Louisville. Wow!  Elvis, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins and the Everly Brothers. This was different than the hillbilly music he had come to know.

Eddie would come back to appreciate that hillbilly music as Kentucky Bluegrass when he got older. He later discovered Chet Atkins and his guitar music which has taken him on a most unbelievable journey because he now produces the Acoustic Guitar Master Concert Series which annually features some of the greatest guitarists in the world, including guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel, world-renown Flamenco guitarist Ruben Romero, National Fingerstyle Guitar Champion Pat Kirtley and Oklahoma's Best Performing Artist Edgar Cruz.  The concert series begins its 7th year in 2007 and will include a performance by Antsy McClain in April 2007.

That brings us to Antsy McClain and The Trailer Park Troubadours. Eddie first met Antsy at a NAMM show in Nashville and fell in love with the music and decided to bring The Troubs to play in his Series. That is when Antsy and he conspired to do what no one else had done and go where no one else had gone before--namely, they produced Antsy’s first solo CD, Time-Sweetened Lies, which climbed to #23 on the Americana Radio Charts. He is very proud of that baby as well as other CD’s he has recorded and co-produced for Pat Kirtley, Matt and Pauly Zarb (See www.mattandpaulyzarb.com  for more details). Although he flies airplanes, talks on ham radio and has spent most of his life working as an electronics technician or engineer,  he considers himself a listener - a Professional Music Listener - that is.

Eddie also manages Trinity Music Productions and operates a wonderful recording studio in Buffalo, KY.  He co-produced Antsy's debut solo album, Time-Sweetened Lies, and has provided recording facilities for a number of current projects that will provide more releases in the near future, including a wonderful live session with Antsy, Pauly and Bobby.

Eddie first got involved with Antsy McClain after inviting the Troubs to participate in a show in Elizabethtown, KY.  Eddie is the producer of the Acoustic Guitar Master Concert Series which annually features some of the greatest guitarists in the world, including guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel, world-renown Flamenco guitarist Ruben Romero, National Fingerstyle Guitar Champion Pat Kirtley and Oklahoma's Best Performing Artist Edgar Cruz.  The concert series begins its 7th year in 2007 and will include a performance by Antsy McClain in April 2007.

Eddie can be contacted at ematting@scrtc.com

David has been associated with Antsy McClain since way before the Trailer Park Troubadours were a gleam on the side of a shiny new Airstream.  In the early 1990s he sat next to Antsy for nearly eight months as both worked in Central Kentucky as Japanese translators for an auto parts manufacturer.  Their common love of music and humor, along with love of family, bound them together as friends for life.

Sumoflam, as David is known to Flamingoheads and friends, has managed the Troubs' website off and on for many years and is currently in his fifth straight year, having taken a hiatus in the early 21st century due to other professional commitments.

Pictured at the left with his two grandchildren and his niece, Sumoflam is a Babe Magnet and loves his family.  In high school he was a talented saxophone player (chiefly Baritone Sax and some Tenor Sax) and was in All-State Band and All-State Jazz Bands in both Montana and Utah in the 1970s.  He also participates actively in church choirs and is the audience backup vocalist at the Troubs shows he attends.

Sumoflam is the official archivist and Troubs historian.  He was in the audience in the early days of the Troubs when they did their Parlor Concerts in Kentucky in the early 1990s and has been able to "Enjoy the Ride" from the sidelines for nearly 15 years running.  He also manages the MP3 store and continues to work on getting more live bootlegs to get up on the site.

David currently resides in Lexington, KY and works closely with the band, the staff and the fans to keep all informed.  He can be reached at sumoflam@unhitched.com

Flem was part of the original duo that performed Parlor Concerts in the early 1990s and then joined his cousin Antsy McClain as the Trailer Park Troubadours and performed and recorded with the group until late in 2005 when he retired from the group citing personal reasons and a driving desire to sell plastic pink flamingoes and other yard ornaments to trailer parks around the country.

During the live Troubs shows, Flem was known for his on-stage antics, his amazing shaker solos, his clapper hat and his Marilyn Monroe Happy Birthday impersonating.

Flem co-wrote a number of songs with Antsy, the most well-known of which was The Clapper Song.  He appears on every Trailer Park Troubadour album produced to date and is also a guest on Antsy's Time-Sweetened Lies.

Aunt Beula has not made many appearances on stage in the last couple of years due to health issues that came about from a bad mix of roadkill stew.  She does continue to stay in touch from her fancy doublewide at the end of the road in Screamin' Holler.

During their time with the Troubs, Smotes and Eddie were never paid either.   Typically, they would just work for room and bunk, scrapping what they could from the backstage deli trays and sleeping in the luggage compartment of the bus and whatnot.  There were many times they would try and get in on the act, and attempt to "warm up" the crowd.

The roadies were almost featured in the Troubs' Doublewide and Dangerous concert video and also tried to sneak their way into the Way Cool World video which was released in 2000.  They did get a small blurb doing an interview about the Roadie Clinic which they do.

In the summer of 2005, during a Troubs' sold out show in Santa Cruz, CA, Smotes and Eddie informed Antsy McClain that they were leaving for the "Big Time", having supposedly been offered a "lucrative" deal in Hollywood to star in a documentary about life as roadies.  We have not heard from or seen them since.

Terri "Troubette" Barry - Former Merchandise Sales, Logisitics Manager and Road Manager Extraordinaire for the Troubs

Terri "Troubette" Barry was first a friend, then fan, then merch salesperson and finally logistics manager for The Troubs, handling travel arrangements, bookkeeping duties and so much else for several years. The Troubs finally wore her out (We warned her!) in late 2005,  and Terri handed over the road management and merchandising duties to be shared by members of the band and others over the next several months while The Troubs reorganized.

She is currently employed as an HR executive at a Nashville-based company outsourcing payroll duties for various companies. She travels enough with the new job to keep her road manager bug in check, and is not surprisingly excelling in the company and enjoying it a great deal.

"Terri is a lot of fun," says Antsy, "And it's a major advantage having someone so trustworthy and diligent to rely on in this crazy business. Troubette is truly missed.

Fans and friends can still keep up with Terri via her e-mail address here in the park: troubette@comcast.net. Drop her a line and say hi.
 

Crafty Jack (or just Crafty to his friends) started playing guitar at the age of 6 and took lessons from a variety of talented people over several decades. He has been a factory worker, janitor, gardener, lumber yard delivery man and carpenter. In 1989 he graduated from Lethbridge Community College’s Business Administration program. A few years after graduation, he started his own business, Crafty Jack’s, building custom cabinets and furniture and began teaching guitar. In 2003, the cabinet making was replaced by Lutherie (instrument making) under the trade name Jack Axe Guitars.

Jack And Debbie live in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. You can contact them at: craftyjack57@yahoo.com and see more of Crafty Jack’s guitars on the Jack Axe Guitars’ web site at: www.jackaxeguitars.com.

Danny is very involved in video and show productions in and around Nashville, most recently working as the Producer and Creative Director of "ASCAP at the Ryman" and the ASCAP Country Music Awards. 

Also a talented Harmonica and Keyboard player, Danny has recorded with Johnny Cash (The Legend, 2005), Brooks & Dunn (Hard Workin' Man, 1993), Jim Reeves (Welcome to My World) and other acts.

Besides the Troubs' music videos, he has produced a music video for Gene Watson and has also worked on other projects such as America's Music: The Roots of Country.

Antsy once described Danny P as "a big ol' heart with legs," and he told me it was one of the best compliments he'd ever received. That says a lot about the guy. He does more benefit concerts than anyone. He's always involved in some community event to raise money for kids or someone with a life-threatening disease.  Antsy goes on to say "He's a great guy. He's very busy, and I don't get to talk to him as much as I'd like to these days. But we always pick up right where we left off; usually our kids, our faith and our music, in that order."

L to R: Bobby Cochran, Pauly Zarb, Nestor Eaton, Antsy McClain, Buddy McClain, Richie Albright, Nearsighted Willie Pomus, Spoonz, Bee "Dan" Spears

Richie Albright was the first "Nashville guy" Antsy met when he moved there  -- although he would hate that terminology. He is anything but a  "Nashville guy." Raised in Arizona, Richie is one of those no-nonsense people you don't meet very often, and for a long time, Flem  and Antsy called him their B.S. Shield, protecting them from so much of the  Music Row "show biz" stuff that just isn't important. It always starts and ends with the music for Richie, and he is counted among Antsy McClain's most influential mentors.

Richie is most well known for being Waylon Jenning's drummer, which he started doing in 1964.  He produced or co-produce nine albums with Waylon and three with Waylon's wife Jessi Colter. 

Richie was the producer of Unhitched  and was co-producer of Bootlegged, Doublewide and Dangerous and Way Cool World

Richie has been nominated for CMA awards as a drummer two times.

Bee is most well known for being Willie Nelson's "BassMan" since 1968.  Bee is a self-taught bassist but studied many other well-known bass players in order to develop his own techniques.

Bee hails from Helotes, Texas and currently resides in Nashville.

Nestor is now traveling and playing with country artist John Conlee, and performs on
the Grand Ol' Opry regularly. Nestor plays bass, sings and does front-of-house sound for John's band. And, as all of his friends can tell you, Nestor is one of the happiest, 
friendliest guys you'll ever meet. His smile can light up a room. A big room.

Doug has been the bassist for Goose Creek Symphony since 1993. Prior to joining the Creek, he performed with English bluesman Mark Almond, Bobby V. and Shelby Lynne.

The Trailer Park Troubadours' very first stage performance was in Lexington, KY at the Opera House, where they were the opening act for the Goose Creek Symphony. This historic event occurred on May 13, 1995.

Andy has performed on numerous shows such as Hee Haw, Austin City Limits and Nashville Now.  He has also worked with Suzy Boggess, Russell Smith of the Amazing Rhythm Aces and David Bromberg.   He has also co-produced a number of albums by Jim Salestrom.

Michael played lead guitar for country great Eddie Rabbit in the 1970s and received a Naras Superpicker Award in 1979 for some of his guitar work on Rabbit's albums. He has played in over 5000 live radio and television shows and toured with Trisha Yearwood in 2005. He is an A String session player in Nashville.

Jeff Hamby has moved to Texas where he plays with local bands there, and continues to write songs. He travels with the Sisters Morales and Texas swing artist Roger Brown.

Lindsey Buckingham is a multi-platinum enigma. He originally was involved with a group known simply as Fritz which formed in the fall of 1966. The group's personnel included Bob Aguirre (see Bob's bio above). Later, Stevie Nicks joined the group, which gradually became one of the busiest local bands in the Bay area, opening for the likes of Big Brother and The Holding Company, Ike and Tina Turner and the Moody Blues.

Fritz broke up in 1971, but Lindsey and Stevie continued on to form Buckingham Nicks and finally signed a record deal with the Polydor/Anthem label. Opportunity knocked when Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac turned up at Sound City Studios looking for a place for the veteran band Fleetwood Mac to record and happened upon Lindsey. In early 1975, Lindsey and Stevie became members of Fleetwood Mac. This collaboration led to the multi-platinum album Rumours which featured a number of Buckingham's compositions, including Go Your Own Way.  He worked with Fleetwood Mac as late as 2003.

Lindsey has released four solo albums including his popular Out of the Cradle album from 1992. His most recent release is Under the Skin which was released in October 2006.

Lindsey Buckingham appears courtesy of Reprise Records.

According to "Odd Job" Bob, Lindsey's real weakness is Pralines and Cream with Hershey's Chocolate sauce.

Visit Lindsey's website at http://www.lindseybuckingham.com

Bonnie began her career at the early age of 14 singing on Gaslight Square in East St. Louis, where she was groomed by such greats as Stan Getz, Herbie Mann and Miles Davis. In 1967 she moved to Los Angeles where she met Delaney Bramlett and married him seven days later. They formed the group Delaney and Bonnie and Friends, the friends included Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Dave Mason, John Lennon, Rita Coolidge and others. They released five albums.

The duo broke up personally and professionally in 1973.  She collaborated in writing a couple of songs with Leon Russell, including the Grammy-nominated "Superstar" in 1972.  Throughout the 1970s she became a "must have" backup singer on albums by Joe Cocker, Carly Simon, Gregg Allman, Jimmy Buffett and others. She later toured with Stephen Stills and the Allman Brothers.

Her career expanded to TV and movies.  She was a regular on the #1 hit TV series "Roseanne" and also appeared in Oliver Stone's film "The Doors" with Val Kilmer and Meg Ryan.

Visit Bonnie's website at http://www.bonniebramlett.com

Learn more about Tommy Smothers and his brother Dick at http://www.smothersbrothers.com

Tommy appears courtesy of Knave Productions, Inc.

Photos by Marc Manning

Tommy will be joining Antsy and the Troubs as a guest performer on the Polyesterfest 2007 Cruise . He has recently recorded in the studio as the drummer for an upcoming solo album for Antsy McClain.

Tommy Emmanuel's professional career spans over forty-five years and continues to intersect with some of the finest musicians throughout the world. Guitar legend Chet Atkins was one of the first people to inspire Emmanuel to pick up the instrument. Decades later, Atkins himself became one of Emmanuel's biggest fans.  In 1999, Chet honored Tommy Emmanuel with the rare title of "Certified Guitar Player" for his lifetime contribution to the art of fingerstyle guitar playing, an honor shared by only two other people in the world (Jerry Reed and John Knowles).

Pat was the 1995 National Fingerpicking Champion and has received numerous honors for his clean, driving, melodically pure compositions. A resident of Bardstown, KY, he performs around the world.  He also participates in the Tommyfest in cooperation with his good friend Tommy Emmanuel. 

Ever the promoter of guitar playing, Pat has created instructional CDs and videos to teach Celtic Fingerstyle, Alternate Tunings and Thumbstyle Guitar.

He joined with Pauly Zarb in December 2004 for a joint album called Contrast, which is a coming together of two different nations, styles and music.

Pat is a regular performer on Eddie Mattingly's Acoustic Guitar Master Concert Series.  He is also a regular performer at the Walnut Valley Music Festival in Winfield, Kansas.

You can visit Pat's website at http://www.win.net/mainstring/welcome.html

Ruben will join with Edgar Cruz in a performance as part of Eddie Mattingly's  Acoustic Guitar Master Concert Series on March 3, 2007.  Edgar will also be a special guest on the Polyesterfest 2007 Cruise. Ruben and Edgar have collaborated on three CDs together: Guitarras de Fuego, Guitarras de Amor, and Guitarras de Baile.

Mr. Romero's distinguished career as a Spanish, classical and flamenco guitarist spans many years and includes an impressive catalog of twenty-one CD's, television and film credits. His recordings are acclaimed worldwide including a feature in the 2000 Olympics. His versatility as a performing artist is evident in his solo artistry as well as noted collaborations with flamenco dance troupes and other world-renowned guitar greats.

Visit Ruben's website at http://www.rubenromero.com

The photo on the left (L-R): Michael Rhodes, Danny Parks (seated), Matt Rollings, Eddie Bayers, Jimmy Jackson (behind Antsy) and Antsy McClain.

Matt is the fabulous keyboard player for Lyle Lovett's Large Band and as an "A-List Session Player" in Nashville, he has also recorded with Mark Knopfler,  Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kathy Mattea and others.  He has been nominated CMA Musician of the Year eight times.

Michael is another well known "A-List Session Player" and has recorded with The Dixie Chicks, Wynonna Judd, Dolly Parton, Randy Travis, Faith Hill and many other musicians.  Michael is also a member of the Grammy-nominated Notorious Cherry Bombs.

Eddie is listed as Nashville's "first-call" session drummer and is one of the busiest musicians in the world. His early career got off to a jump start with Tom and John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival and has continued to grow as he has worked with Vince Gill, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Steve Winwood, Peter Frampton, Bob Seger, Garth Brooks, Lyle Lovett, Mark Knopfler, Sting and many others.

Eddie has received the Country Music Association Drummer of the Year Award for 11 straight years.

Along with Michael Rhodes and a crew of other all-stars, he is a member of the Grammy-nominated Notorious Cherry Bombs.

You can visit his website at http://www.lanebrody.com/eddiebayers.htm

Danny is another of the great session musicians in Nashville.  He originally came to Nashville as a fiddle and mandolin player, but has found most of his work as a guitarist. He has played and recorded with George Jones, Brooks and Dunn, The Amazing Rhythm Aces and Toby Keith, among others.  He is known to bring at least eight guitars to his recording sessions.

George met the Troubs through their Goose Creek Symphony connection.  He was the producer of the Words of Earnest album by the GCS in 1973 and as late 2005 has worked in record production with Bob Boze Bell.  He led the Troubs on that initial roller coaster ride that musicians take when they enter the industry. Maybe that is why George is now in the Roller Coaster sales business, something he has done for over 20 years.  He is currently the President of the International Amusement Alliance in Carefree, Arizona, which manufactures boat rides, flumes, scale trains, coasters, and other production models.

Barry Co-produces projects with Clint Howard (ala Ron Howard's Brother). Now working as a television exec in Los Angeles.  He was the Executive Producer for the Clint Howard Variety Show in 2002 and was also the producer for The Latino Laugh Festival in 2004  He also had a stint with Bill Graham Presents in the 70's, working with bands like The Grateful Dead, etc. He also Performed as a folk duo with his wife Nancy  for years.

Of Barry, Antsy says the following: "Great guy. One of my  favorite people. Remains a
mentor to me, and an example of what kind of person to be in the entertainment business."
 

Dennis was born in Cardiff, Wales and initially got his start in music with Blue Weaver in Brother John and the Witnesses.  He later joined Andy Fairweather-Low and Blue Weaver in Amen Corner and Fair Weather. 

Dennis is perhaps best known for his work as the drummer for the Bee Gees during the Stayin' Alive, Saturday Night Fever days (1972-1980).  He has also played drums for folkabilly queen Nanci Griffith and the Strawbs, among others. In the early 80s he also played drums for a number of Robin Gibb singles.

In late 2001 Dennis started to produce the singer songwriter Kayte Strong. He also accompanied her during some of her concerts and they were billed as Strong & Bryon. They have recorded three albums together so far.

He played the drums on the song Matchmaker on the Unhitched album.