Currently we are seven members and we have been playing since 2006 as a band. We all have been regular jammers for many years. Instruments in our band are banjos, guitars, harmonica, tambourine, autoharp, bass, fiddle, and vocal harmony.
More About Us Individually
Joyce Kramer, Roseville MN
Autoharp
I have always loved music and all kinds of music. I played a little piano through my lifetime for my own enjoyment.
After I retired I started thinking of some type of hobby I could do and not get tired of. My husband Don was taking lessons at the Pickin' Parlor in Richfield MN on banjo and noticed an autoharp on the wall. He asked me if I’d be interested in it and I said, “What’s an autoharp?” Long story short, I tried one out and loved it right from the start! I began jamming with Don every week and learned more and more about Bluegrass music.
After a few years of jamming and many hours of practice I felt confident that we could put together a band and go out into the community and play for folks. That’s exactly what we did in 2006. The Porch Pickers were established and I enjoy playing and singing every chance I get with the talented people in our group.
Tom Lyons, St Paul MN
Banjo and Guitar
Started playing ukulele in the mid 20th century (says he was just a baby).
Has played guitar and banjo for many years.
Formerly with Bitter Ridge bluegrass band.
Tom enjoys and plays bluegrass, country, country blues, gospel, jug band and more. He enjoys traditional jazz, blues and ragtime and will play and sing a few of those songs.
Tom builds a small number of fine acoustic guitars in his home shop, including round neck resonator instruments.
Ken Hillstrom, Eden Prairie MN
Harmonica
I began playing the harmonica at the age of fourteen with my dad as my teacher.
I didn't take it seriously until I started playing with my brothers and played many years.
In 2004, my nephew asked me to go with him to the Radisson Hotel in Plymouth MN to the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA) festival. Since then I have found a reason to keep playing and enjoy the band and jamming with other musicians.
Ken and Linda grew up in Sebeka MN and Wolf lake MN.
Linda Hillstrom, Eden Prairie MN
Tamborine and vocal
I have enjoyed music all my life and have always sang in church and school choirs.
I enjoy playing and singing with the Porch Pickers.
Richard (Dick) Lee, Brooklyn Park MN
Bass
Dick has played the bass guitar since 1964. He loves bluegrass, country, and gospel music.
Currently, Dick is playing with four groups:
Barb & Gary
Culver's Jammers,
Now and Then Classic
Country Band,
and The Porch Pickers
Dick also is still playing for church services at his family's church.
Don Kramer, Roseville MN
Guitar and Banjo
Has owned banjos and guitars for many years but not much time to practice and play seriously while family was growing up.
Only recently, since retirement in 2002, took lessons for two years from Brian Fesler at the Pickin’ Parlor in Richfield MN, and began to play with others in jams and other get-togethers.
It has been a dual effort of Joyce and Don to get the Porch Picker group started.
Don is also a member of the St. Rose of Lima Church Choir for over 20 years.
Charlie Ryan, Roseville MN
Fiddle, Guitar, and Squeezebox (hand-held bellows-driven free reed aerophone)
Charlie is the newest member of the band.
Charlie Ryan grew up in South Minneapolis, now lives in Roseville with his
wife Robin. He has always loved music, and plays trumpet, piano, guitar,
fiddle.button accoridian, and mandolin, and he would throw them all out the
window if he could sing like Ralph Stanley.
Some of Charlie's influences have been, David Bromberg, the Smother's
Brothers,Leo Kottke, Osbourne Brothers, and Louie Armstrong.
Charlie likes to write music as well as play with the Porch
pickers, and plays cornet with the Minneapolis Police band.