About The Muleskinner Band
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Formed in 1985, The Muleskinner Band's first performance was at Market Place ‘85 in Urbana, Ohio. Since then, the band has traveled to 5 different states, including West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and extensively throughout Ohio. Strong vocals, slick instrumentation and light-hearted interaction with their audiences make them crowd favorites. They have recorded 6 projects and each of the members has been asked to guest on other recordings.
Booking Agent Bill Purk Email: mandogit@ctcn.net Phone: (937) 215-4779 |
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Music Genre
Bluegrass Members Bill Purk, Floyd Alexander, Danny Russell, Kenny Hanuska, and guests who have included Mike Gorrell, Audie Blaylock, Mason Bryan, Reed Jones, Mark Davis, David Burkhart, Jr. Smith, and David Perkins. Hometown Urbana, OH |
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Bill Purk & Reed Jones
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Raised by two members of the “greatest generation”, Bill Purk has been pickin’ and singin’ since “Ike” was in office. Proficient on 6 instruments, Bill usually relies on his trusty Martin D-28 to help him entertain. Donning one of several Stetsons in his collection, he delivers many jokes, stories of a time foreign to many to today, but oh so vivid to many in his audiences. He incorporates tunes from the 30’s/ 40’s/ 50’s and 60’s plus a good healthy dose of Gospel music and sing-a-longs.
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Reed Jones is an accomplished instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter, having several songs published and recorded. Together with Purk, the duo make a perfect fit in presenting nearly 75 years of bluegrass. Reed Jones is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA. His degree is in Education He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in School Administration.
Bill Purk is a graduate of Urbana (OH) College with a degree in Elementary Education. He also holds a Master’s degree from the University of Dayton (OH) in Counseling.
This team has put together a program entitled “ A History of Bluegrass Music," (sample below), from Bill Monroe’s 1st spot on the Grand Old Opry in 1939, up through Flatt and Scruggs, Jimmy Martin, and The Stanley Bros. Jim and Jesse, Mac Wiseman, J.D. Crowe and many other pioneers are given a tip of the Stetson. Using guitar, mandolin, banjo and vocals the audiences come away with a deeper understanding of America’s bluegrass music.
This team has put together a program entitled “ A History of Bluegrass Music," (sample below), from Bill Monroe’s 1st spot on the Grand Old Opry in 1939, up through Flatt and Scruggs, Jimmy Martin, and The Stanley Bros. Jim and Jesse, Mac Wiseman, J.D. Crowe and many other pioneers are given a tip of the Stetson. Using guitar, mandolin, banjo and vocals the audiences come away with a deeper understanding of America’s bluegrass music.
Read John Darlington's Review of Bill and Reed's performance hosted by the West Jefferson Parks and Recreation department.
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Bill Purk & Kenny Hanuska
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Bill & Kenny, when not playing with the band, work as a duo. They encompass all kinds of tunes from the 1950's through today. Performance credits include The Clark County Fair and The Simon Kenton lnn-Springfield,OH.
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Upcoming Shows |
Past ShowsSoil & Water Conservation District Meetings (10 Ohio counties)
Prarie Peddlar, Butler, OH The Ohio State Fair, Columbus, OH Petroleum Traders, Ft. Wayne, IN Belle Terra Casino, IN Backwoods Festival, Thornville, OH Wheeling Jamboree, WV Dayton Farm Fair, PA Country Concert In The Hills, Ft. Loramie, OH Mt. Days, Dayton, OH Celebrate New Concord, OH K99.1 Day In The Country, Dayton, OH Bruckner Center, Troy, OH Shelby County Fair, Sidney, OH Mad River Steam and Gas, Plain City, OH Rhythm on the River Series, Columbus, OH WYSO Radio, Yellow Springs, OH Hump Days Concerts, West Chester, OH Sundays On The Scioto, Columbus, OH Columbus Zoo, Powell, OH Dublin Arts Festival, OH Cedarville Labor Day Celebration, OH Mickey’s Mt. Bluegrass Festival, Urichsville,OH Centerville 4th of July Celebration, OH (20 consecutive years) |
Contact The Muleskinner Band |
The Muleskinner Band on Facebook |
Virtual Facebook Shows
For nearly 2 years, COVID-19 cancelled a lot of the annual festivals and events The Muleskinners grew so accustomed to playing. Bill Purk and his neighbor and video talent Pete Floyd decided to record a series of virtual Facebook gigs during that time, and the dynamic duo have more virtual gigs planned for the future.
They aren’t quite the same for Purk, who prides himself on calling out the song list on stage as he gets to know the live audience.
Aside from the necessary scripting, however, the shows seem to have everything his fans have come to expect.
The virtual gigs, when planned, are the 1st of each month at 6pm on Pete Floyd's Facebook page, in addition to special holiday virtual gigs. You can click here view any past performance on The Bill Purk Concert Series YouTube page.
Click here to read an article about Bill Purk and The Muleskinners in the Springfield News-Sun.
CD's are also be available for purchase by messaging Bill Purk on Facebook.
They aren’t quite the same for Purk, who prides himself on calling out the song list on stage as he gets to know the live audience.
Aside from the necessary scripting, however, the shows seem to have everything his fans have come to expect.
The virtual gigs, when planned, are the 1st of each month at 6pm on Pete Floyd's Facebook page, in addition to special holiday virtual gigs. You can click here view any past performance on The Bill Purk Concert Series YouTube page.
Click here to read an article about Bill Purk and The Muleskinners in the Springfield News-Sun.
CD's are also be available for purchase by messaging Bill Purk on Facebook.
