Over the years, there were several personnel changes. Here is a short summary of the significant members of the band, including the instruments they play or have played over the years:
Current Members
Pete Wolfe, 1972 1981, rejoined for the present band. Cofounder of Wheatfield. Bass, banjo, guitar, spoons, vocals.
Will Hobbs, 1972 to present. Cofounder of Wheatfield. Guitar, mandolin, flute, harmonica, saxophone, vocals, songwriter.
Paul Douglas, 1975 to present. Guitar, keyboards, fiddle, harmonica, clarinet, vocals.
Kerry Canfield, 1977 to present. Keyboards, guitar, lap steel, accordion, trumpet, vocals, songwriter.
Steve Aubrey, 2005 to present; Drums, vocals.
Former Members (Outfielders)
"Snead" Friedman, 1971 1972, Bass guitar, vocals.
Don Ross, 1971 1975, Guitar, vocals.
Rex Stallion, real name Bruce Endicott, 1972 1978, Drums, vocals.
John Powell, 1973 1977, Keyboards, guitar, trumpet, vocals, songwriter.
Kelly Stites, 1981 1982, Bass guitar, vocals, songwriter.
Susan Scholz, 1981 1982, Vocals.
Kenny Sawyer, 1978 to 2005; Drums, vocals.
Wheatfield is a five member band from Portland, Oregon, whose music combines a variety of instruments with strong vocal harmonies into an individual blend of rock, country, folk and bluegrass that is sometimes termed “Americana.”
Formed in October, 1971, in Eugene, Oregon, Wheatfield quickly became one of the most popular bands in the Northwest, consistently drawing large crowds over an area ranging from Anchorage, Alaska to Ashland, Oregon, and from Vancouver, British Columbia to Missoula, Montana.
Wheatfield released an album in 1980, featuring the variety for which Wheatfield is known, containing a number of original tunes. It received airplay in Alaska, Canada, Washington, Oregon, California and areas of the Midwest. In addition, the band was featured in an hour-long prime time TV special performance aired all over Oregon on CBS-affiliate on KOIN TV.
In 1982, the band members took a long breather to raise their families, occasionally reuniting for special occasions. One of those occasions, in 2002, was to help former drummer, Kenny Sawyer, raise money to pay for his medical bills resulting from his successful battle with cancer. Inspired by the response and by the joy of music, Wheatfield re-formed and is now entertaining audiences again with a new energy and even more accomplished sound. A new CD is in the works.
Wheatfield has always been equally at home in dance and concert situations, and has performed with many well-known recording artists including Bo Diddley, David LaFlamme, Doc Watson, Norton Buffalo (who produced their first album), Maria Muldaur, Seals and Crofts, John Fahey, Quarterflash, Asleep at the Wheel, Vassar Clements, Michael Dinner, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, David Bromberg and others.
Well, my wife and I met the last weekend that Wheatfield played in Seattle at the G-Note tavern (1982). She was married at the time and we didn't "get together" until a few years later. I sure miss those old WF days in the 70s. We like to go to Oregon to see WF when we can. They're still MY favorite !
boB Everett, WA
