Although the Vernatones "officially" formed as a group in 2006, they have been making music together for many years. From a musical family of 14, sisters Joan Ketels and Mary Hanish grew up singing and harmonizing together on their family farm in Iowa. Here, traditional, folk and country tunes came to life, and singing and dancing was a highlight of every day. The other family members that comprise the Vernatones are Denton (Joan's husband) and Tara (Mary's daughter).
In 2006, the 80th birthday of Joan & Mary's mother (Verna) presented an opportunity to record and remember some of the traditional, folk and country tunes treasured by their family. For this project, Joan, Denton, Mary and Tara were joined by musicians and family friends Bruce Rieks, Rick Oltman and Jacque Fowler. Excitement over the music encouraged the group to share their recording project with the public; thus the "Vernatones" were born.
The Vernatones' debut album, "A Toast to the Family," honors family and tradition not only with follk tunes treasured accross generations, but also through two original songs: "Toast to the Family" and "Through the Years." "Toast to the Family," was written by Denton the night of Joan & Mary's father's funeral. It remembers not only their father (Art) but his love for their family. Art passed away in 1995, just a few months before his and Verna's 50th wedding anniversary. "Through the Years" was written for their 50th anniversary. Although the song is credited to Joan, she believes it came from her dad, and that it is "the love song my Dad always wanted to write for my Mom --- but he just didn't get it done before he left."
The Vernatones have plans to record a second album this summer, and hope to do another 3 or 4 albums in the coming years, all with the purpose of "remembering the music." Suggestions and requests for favorite tunes are welcomed, and can be directed to Joan at joanketels@cfu.net
The Vernatones have been featured in articles written in the Cedar Falls Times and the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier. Please see our pictures for snapshot images of the stories.
The Vernatones' "A Toast to the Family" is available to purchase or download at CDbaby and also on iTunes. It is also available from Amazon and Elderly Instruments. It can be heard on Pandora internet radio and is being played on several folk radio programs around the country.
Additional audio clips from the album can be heard at Tara's website.
The Vernatones appreciate your support of independent music!
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Vernatones!
How's it going?
Have you ordered your copy of the "Must-Have" album 'Too Soon|Too Late' yet? Click the CD cover below to go to my brand new website www.russellhowardmusic.com
You can order a copy from the store page.
Take care, and thanks for being a fan!
-Russell
Hey there! Thought since we're friends now, I'd leave ya a comment. Feel free to do the same... and while you're on my page, check out my music. Also, my videos are on my page. Check that out, too. Anyhow... good to meet you here online! Take care:)
Thanks for the add, good tunes - if you get a chance check out the show.
Podcasting out of Edinburgh, Scotland with an audience of 32,000+ active listeners. AmericanaOK @ LeithFM show No.55 is available for download now.
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