THE BAND

The Lykens Valley Bluegrass Boys have been entertaining audiences since around 1980. Based in central PA, they play mostly in that area, occasionally crossing the state borders. It was soon after their inception when they entered a band contest and won recording time at Green Valley Studios. Since then they have shared the stage with many of the top acts in bluegrass, as well as Willie Nelson, Confederate Railroad, Billy Walker and Jack Greene. They try to keep a nice mix of traditional & contemporary tunes in their set list. They also offer some original material, as well as the occasional country song if the mood strikes.

PAUL ETZWEILER - GUITAR, VOCALS

Growing up in the 40's, Paul would listen to the Grand Ole Opry on his family's battery operated radio. He enjoyed Roy Acuff, Ernest Tubb & Little Jimmy Dickens. That's where he learned to love music. At age 17, he purchased his first guitar from Sears & Roebuck for $14.95. It came with a chord chart, which is how he learned to play. The guitar was a source of entertainment during his time in Korea. When he returned he began playing & calling for area square dances. His family would also sing in many area churches. When his son Ron expressed an interest in bluegrass, they began honing their skills in the local establishments. Mac Wiseman is one of his favorites.

RON ETZWEILER - MANDOLIN, VOCALS

When Ron was a young boy at home, the family would have Charles Chips delivered to the house. It didn't take long for Ron to use the chip cans to construct his first drum kit. When the "chip man" would no longer accept the cans for return, Paul decided to buy Ron a proper kit. Ron played drums in local rock bands. Then one day while listening to a tape of his dad playing bluegrass back in the 50's, Ron's musical interest was shifted in that direction. He has written a number of songs for the band. His first one, Lykens Valley, made it to the quarterfinals in the International Song Writing contest. His influences include Bill Monroe, Ricky Skaggs and John Duffey. He still likes a variety of music & still enjoys drumming when he gets the chance.

JASON ETZWEILER - GUITAR, VOCALS

By the time Jason came of age, the LVBB were already established. This was ok because, like his big brother Ron, Jason's first love was the drums. (Since there was already a set in the house, there was no need for chip cans.) Paul would often say "By the time Ron started playing bluegrass & the house was relatively quiet, Jason came along & it all started up again!" Jason was exposed to bluegrass at a very young age, but didn't actually join up with the boys until he was about 18. His influences include Tony Rice, New Grass Revival and Jeff White. Like Ron, he also listens to a wide variety of music and still drums when he gets the chance.

CLAIR WILLIARD - BANJO, VOCALS

It was in the early 60's when Clair heard The Kingston Trio & decided that he wanted to play music. He comes form a musical family, as well. His dad & his uncle both played the tenor banjo. He has been with the LVBB since their earliest days. We love it when Clair has an instrumental he wants us to learn because most of the time, it's bound to be a show tune or a standard from a different era. Clair is also the sportsman of the band. When he's not holding a banjo, chances are good that he's holding a rifle, bow or fishing rod. His influences include Eddie Adcock, Don Reno and The Seldom Scene.

ERIC TROUTMAN - BASS, VOCALS

Eric got his start at a very young age when his grandfather bought him his first mandolin. At age 9, he began playing the tenor banjo with "pap" in their square dance group. Once he started attending bluegrass festivals, he and a few other young pickers ended up forming Second Edition. During his time with them, he toured much of the east coast. After a few years, they disbanded. This was just around the time that the LVBB were in need of a bass player. So now he shares the stage with his uncle Clair. Eric can play just about anything he gets his hands on. His influences include Ricky Skaggs, Doyle Lawson and The Lonesome River Band.