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The elder statesmen of the group (Darrel and Joe)
actually began playing the Norman music scene back in the 1970s,
when they all had more hair. Of course, when they sobered up
and realized they were married, their wives made them give up
life on the road and get real jobs. 25 years later, they figured
it was safe to pick up their instruments again and giv'er another
run. They reunited, found a young buck with energy, Garth Brooks'
chin and an $8 haircut - and they were off to the races.
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TJ Wesnidge - Mandolin & Lead Vocals
Hailing from Blanchard, OK, TJ handles most of the vocals
for the band (because he can remember most of the words),
and is the semi-official spokesman for the group (elected
in absentia one evening).
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Doug Stafford - Guitar & Vocals
Doug sings tenor and baritone on most things, lead on some
others, and bass in the shower. Although cursed with a music
degree in opera, the guys don't hold it against him. He's
finishing up his mail-order course "Teach Yourself Guitar
in 30 Short Years" - we just hope some of it sticks.
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Darrel Carender - Banjo & Reluctant Vocals
Darrel, in addition to being a right-fine banjo picker, is
an excellent crafter of guitars, mandolins, dobros, bass fiddles,
and naturally, banjos. Look for the numerous examples of 'Ridge'
instruments that grace our stage, and you'll know a big reason
why we sound so darn good.Look at the picture, and you'll
know why Darrel always wears a hat.
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Joe Peach - Bass, Comic Relief & Vocals
A long-time fixture in the Oklahoma music scene, Joe provides
the solid beat that keeps us from running pell-mell into musical
pandemonium. A former music store owner, Joe has a different
job now, but if we told you any more, we'd have to kill you.
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We had a hard time getting Verlon to sit
still for a picture, so we combined 13 different people
in Photoshop to create this interpretive amalgam we call
"Semblance of V"
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Verlon Stidham - fiddle & high lonesome tenor
Verlon is our newest and oldest member of the band. You wouldn't
know to look at him but he's 102! And still bakes his own
bread. He's played with a number of local groups, and joined
the Mules this past summer. We've loved having him, because
he has more energy than any three of us combined. And the
crowds love to see him bounce around the stage, sawin' on
the strings!
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