At
the age of 15, the banjo called to Sherri. She had never
really heard it before, nor was she aware of what bluegrass
was. She just knew that she had to learn the banjo. Her
mother insisted she take lessons, since afterall, she
had been called by numerous other instruments as well!
Violin, piano, guitar and flute. All sitting about and
not learned! She
agreed and stepped into the Gitfiddler Music Store in
Northville, MI to start learning from this young man who
was crazy about Bluegrass, Alan Munde and banjos. Yes,
Dave Russell. It wasn't long before she was trotting along
to the festivals and shows with him, learning the five
string, working at Guardian Photo plant all summer to
earn enough money for a Stelling banjo! (They were expensive
even back then!)
As
life can do, it got priority and after about 4 or 5 years,
Sherri had to sell that beloved banjo and move on with
life. She lost touch with Dave and the bluegrass scene,
married, raised a family and moved all over including
San Diego, CA and Toledo, OH.
Life
situations change and a few years ago, she was able to
purchase another Stelling banjo and begin picking. Once
again, she fell in love with the music and began jamming
and playing with friends. She began BuckeyeBluegrass.com
to help the music in the Ohio area become solid and networked.
A graphic artist by trade, she was able to use her skills
in graphics and web design and has begun to help many
others with their sites as well.
By
chance, she would become reaquainted with her friend,
Dave Russell, and they began a publishing business together,
supplying musical and education resources to the public.
Their bluegrass websites are well recieved and they have
teamed up again, to begin publishing the Tri-State Bluegrass
Journal.
