Maggie Lobo - vocals, songwriter and acoustic guitar; Jan Willis - harmony vocals, acoustic bass and mandolin; Michael Riopel - harmony and lead vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin and more; Lorenzo Carlson - vocals and ukelele.
Influences
Laurie Lewis, Emmylou Harris, Tim and Mollie O'Brien, Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, Doc Watson, Clarence White, Bonnie Raitt, McLain Family Band, The Whites, Ricky Skaggs
The Voggy Mountain Ramblers were formed in the late 80's at the Beach in Honaunau on the Big Island of Hawaii. The words "GOT VOG" were first uttered referring to the volcanic smog which is emitted from our active volcano. Folks would gather every other week at the beach, visitors and locals alike - all music lovers. VMR started out as a 6-piece band led by vocalist, songwriter and guitarist, Maggie Lobo and evolved over the years as musicians came and went from our beautiful island. Today the current lineup includes Maggie Lobo, Jan Willis, Michael Riopel and Lorenzo Carlson. Their concerts showcase beautiful vocal harmonies and exciting guitar and ukulele playing. They feature several original songs as well as a blend of Hawaiian, traditional and contemporary folk, country, bluegrass and Americana music. Their enthusiasm is infectious and promotes a wonderful time for all.
Maggie Lobo, an original Rambler is a member of the Acjachemem Nation of the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians of San Juan Capistrano in California. Maggie, a talented songwriter and accomplished guitarist leads the vocals with her velvety, smooth style.
Jan Willis picked up a mandolin in 1979 at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Kerrville, Texas and got immersed in the bluegrass and celtic music scene in Houston. She has played in numerous bands including Morning Sky, Spoon River String Band, Ladies' Choice and the Kona Celtic Connection. She plays the acoustic bass with VMR and is excited about this next chapter in her music life.
Michael Riopel started playing music professionally in 1974 as a blues bass player in the Bay Area. He moved to Alaska in 1976 and played in bluegrass, rock and jazz bands until 1980 when he met and married Ruth McLain. He took up guitar and played with the McLain Family Band from 1980 - 1986. Upon returning to Alaska, he joined the popular Alaskan Bluegrass Band, Grass Plus, who made a couple trips outside of Alaska including the Grass Valley Bluegrass Festival and Telluride, where the band finished second to the Dixie Chicks in the band contest. Michael was also the long time guitarist for the "Grismanesque" band, Bernard Glansbeek Ensemble. In 2002, Michael moved to the Big Island for r&r and took up golf. He is very happy to have found a new home with Hawaii's own Voggy Mountain Ramblers.
Lorenzo Carlson, a ukulele virtuoso is also skilled on guitar, banjo, mandolin, and bass - anything with strings. His playing is exciting, thoughtful and creative. Lorenzo operates New Lights Music Studio in Captain Cook where he teaches and often hosts impromptu jam sessions.
Aloha, Maggie, Jan, Michael, Lorenzo! Greetings from The Appalachian Highlands of Southern West Virginia. Thank you for your support. Your comments are always welcome and appreciated. You all play some smooth grass. I love your sound.
Best Wishes ELWOOD, "The Friendly Banjer Picker!" Midnight Ramblers String Band Athens, West Virginia, USA.
Hailed by Joe Craven as "the roadmap" and by National Public Radio as "the answer to our musical prayers," JAMMING 101 is taught every year at the biggest musical festivals in the U.S. (Strawberry Music, CBA Festival, etc) and is not like any other music class you've been to! An entertaining blend of guided jam session, comedy show and sing-a-long, Jamming 101 is bringing hundreds together across the US, and is designed for the total beginner to the seasoned picker. Now for the first time, Jamming 101 is making its debut on the Islands, with a class on Maui and Oahu. The workshop schedule is as follows: • 1st class on Maui: Wednesday, February 6th, 6 – 8pm. 264 Palima Place, Kihei, Maui Info/directions: 808-283-7800 • 2nd class on Oahu: Saturday, February 9th, 11am – 1:30pm. 555 Anolani Street, Honolulu, Hawaii Info/directions: 808-377-7111
Founder Sid Lewis will also provide instructional books on the music and rules of jamming, and guarantee you the funnest time you've ever had playing! Sid welcomes local musicians, and a special welcome to all Ukulele players! (Please check out Sid's awesome website, with a great video showing workshop highlights, at www.jamming101.com) Seating is extremely limited, sign up soon at www.jamming101.com and get a discount. (THANKS FOR THE ADD!!!!)
