Acoustic Serenade is an acoustic group from the Mendocino
Coast of California. Members Bob Dease,Robert van Buuren ,
Johny “Qwest” Heubel and David Onstad draw on influences
like Crosby, Stills, & Nash, Alex De Grassi, the Grateful Dead,
Andres Segovia, and many more to weave their soulful blend
of acoustic music. Tom Yates of KOZT has called their music
, "Fine, fine guitar work... that knocks people out
when they hear them". Jennifer Layton of Indie-Music writes
"their music will soothe the most frazzled of nerves."
Robert van Buuren, a native of The Netherlands who immigrated to
the United States as a child, took up guitar in high school, and
was soon found gigging with bluegrass bands on the streets of San
Francisco's Ghiradelli Square. He continued to expand his skill
by studying classical guitar in the Bay Area. After moving to the
Mendocino coast, van Buuren studied jazz and rock guitar, as well
as bass and mandolin. His style, while widely eclectic, is
sometimes compared to William Ackerman and Leo Kottke.
Bob Dease, originally from Los Angeles, began playing guitar and
songwriting as a young child, and knew his life would be
dedicated to music by the time he was in high school. He is self
taught on guitar and has studied songwriting craft with the great
Jack Segal ("When Sunny Gets Blue", "Scarlet Ribbons") and Janie
Bradford (The Beatles' "Money"). After years on the LA club
scene, including gigs at the famous Troubadour, he got tired of
the traffic and smog, and moved to the coast among the redwood
trees and rugged Oceanside.
Johny “Qwest” Heubel, grew up in Columbus Ohio and began
Playing music in Junior high school and became multi talented
After moving to the north coast in the mid 90’s. Playing all types
Of instruments from flute, percussions, guitar , Kora and other’s.
Johny has played with many talented musicians and groups
And has opened for Willie Nelson recently.
David Onstad, originally from the San Francisco bay area, moved
To the northern California coast back in the late 70’s. Growing up
At a young age playing piano and guitar David has become known
For his tasteful guitar leads, riffs and melodies. Playing at the
Doobie Bro’s and opening for Frida’s Circus David has a unique
Style of his own.
After meeting in a local coffee house, Dease , van Buuren, Heubel
And Onstad joined forces with their multi talents and started
composing original songs, as well as performing live versions of
their own songs and classic covers like Dobie Gray's "Drift Away"
and Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth". They have
appeared at such venues as the Mendocino Art Fair, the well known
Botanical Gardens' "Art in the Garden", Pacific Star Winery,
And Local Licks live all in Mendocino County.
In early 2005, Acoustic Serenade released their first CD, an
instrumental album featuring the groups captivating guitar
playing, and simply titled "Acoustic Serenade". Their second
CD, “Firedance” adds even more spice and was awarded one
Of the best CD,s of 2007 by Indie-Music.
