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A rare combination of instrumental expertise on five instruments, a soulful and moving singer, a light hearted comic and a sparkling entertainer. Wiethop is one of those difficult-to-categorize performers who have found a home in the modern and not so modern Americana/Folk genre.

Musically, he draws inspiration from all over the map, bluegrass, country, classical, blues, jazz, swing and folk music are truly his 'cup of tea'. But his primary focus is in the singer songwriter tradition that traces it's roots all the way back to a time of social awareness and humor of the 1960's folk scene where he got his start with the touring folk group 'Up A Trio'. His central appeal for entertaining and wit comes from the heart, his award winning musicianship has been called outstanding, and is said could be considered at times, 'amazing.'

Originally from the St. Louis area, he moved from Cape Girardeau to the Northwest Arkansas Ozark Mountains in 1988 for it's rich folk music traditions, and became one of the most unique and superlative emissaries of the music of the Ozarks. Put simply, he is one of the most versatile entertainers you'll ever see.

In 1989 Wiethop won both the National Autoharp Championship in Avoca, Iowa and the Southern National Autoharp Championship in Mountain View, Arkansas, and has been called one of the top three Autoharpists in the nation by ‘Down Beat’ magazine. Audiences both large and small are left speechless when they hear everything from the beautiful and moving ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ to his rousing rendition of the Rossini classic ‘The William Tell Overture’.

In light of his notable accomplishments on the 36 string Autoharp, Wiethop considers ‘finger picked style guitar’ his instrument of choice because of the ability to play in any musical key while playing ‘cross key’ harmonica. He also plays, old time claw hammer banjo in his act and also plays with a contra dance band just to stay in touch with his traditional music roots. Often he plays harmonica with the banjo, and it’s been noted that he is (or may be) the only banjo player around to play both instruments simultaneously, in harmony and he sings too!

After growing tired of years of touring nation wide as ‘The Memorial String Band’ Wiethop accepted the opportunity to perform as the 'featured entertainer' at a well known 250 seat Ozark Mountain Music Show in the picturesque Ozark town of West Fork, Arkansas from 1989 to 2003. During that time he was also instrumental in fostering the career of the now well known country music star Joe Nichols who got his start at the popular show. He also performed with a unique 1930's and 40's swing band known as the ‘Cat’z Meow’.

Having recently relocated back to the Eastern Ozarks, (better known as Southeast Missouri), he now performs mostly at the many beautiful vineyards and wineries in the region, along with numerous other concerts, festivals, shows, and events. Wiethop feels very fortunate, not to have to travel hundreds of miles just to find an appreciative audience for his music, and as he puts it 'BEEN THERE, DONE THAT'.

Prior Prestigious Venues: The Grand Ole Opry, Bluebird Cafe, TNN, & The Ernest Tubb Record Shop Show in Nashville, Silver Dollar City Branson, Julia Bell Swain River Boat, Crown Valley Winery St. Genevieve, and The River Ridge Winery Commerce Mo, The Little O' Oprey West Fork AR, Turley Park concert series Carbondale, Raddle the Bottoms Folk Bluegrass Festival, Missouri State Parks Concert Series: Big Oak Tree State Park, Johnson Shut-ins, Sam A. Baker State Park, Bollinger Mills, Trail of Tears State Park

Performance Credits: Doc Watson, John Hartford, Bill Monroe, Riders In the Sky, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Hot Rise, Hoyt Axton, Allison Crouse and Union Station, Joe Nichols, Trout Fishing In America, B. J. Thomas, Osborn Brothers, Josh Graves, John McEuen, Kenny Baker, Sunnyland Blues Band, Big Smith, Still on the Hill, Bryan Bowers. Sleepy LaBeef, And Bill Mounce