Chris

Kay

Instrument:  Mandolin, Guitar

Musical Background:  

I've played guitar off and on since I was 8, when my Dad bought me a 3/4 size Stella and oh so patiently took me to lessons. I played trumpet and baritone horn in junior high and high school band, but singing and playing guitar turned out to be a longer term interest. When I got my first real job after college, I used my first bonus check to buy a Martin D-35. That guitar has been my constant companion since. Chick Rose got me started in bluegrass in 1992, through the classes he organized at Nadine Swanson's down on O Street in Vancouver. That led to my first bluegrass festival at Ryderwood, WA in 1993. To me, it felt like walking over a bridge into a wonderful new world full of fun music and great people. After a while just playing guitar, I started on the mandolin. With lots of support and encouragement from friends and fellow pickers, I've managed to slowly improve on both instruments in the years since. "Another Shade of Bluegrass" is the first band I've joined.

Interests:

Besides music, my wife Julie and I enjoy boating, camping, fishing, and snow skiing.

Born:    

Whitefish, Montana. Julie and I have lived in Vancouver since 1981.

Instrument:  Double Bass, Singer

Musical Background:  

My Dad's family was musical and would gather in the yard on the weekends to play. I was a kid not that interested in their stuff but it stuck in me somewhere because I keep pulling up stuff I didn't know I'd learned!

Experience: 25 years musical experience playing locally with Country, Western and Bluegrass Bands. Sang in a choral group (Hollingworth Singers) for five years.

Interests: Besides the obvious I have and ride my horse Beau, I've learned to travel more and enjoy that and I love my garden and my home in Washougal, WA.

Born: Yes, I was born!