Music Rocks

I have played music the greater part of my life. Actually, almost all my life. I wrote my first song on the piano at age 8. It consisted of three notes. But our neighbor also had a little bongo, and I played that thing like it was the only drum in the world. It's reassuring to note that I've expanded my 3-note range and hand drum playing abilities.

I play in a band called The String Rats. It's me on guitar, mandolin and vocals. And giving us our truly unique sound are Mark Gillem (hubby!) on pedal steel, mandolin, dobro, guitar and vocals; along with Ted Brainard on bass, fiddle and vocals.

We play with an alt-country twist: originals, blues, covers (Dire Straits, Lucinda Williams, the Subdudes, etc.). Take a listen to our demo on the String Rats' website and become a friend on our MySpace page.

Read all about it

Ben Salmon, of The Bulletin (Bend, Oregon) wrote this article, which appeared in The Bulletin's April 18, 2008 Go! Magazine.