Stringbreakbluegrass.com: Bio Page


Dave Hanks: Mandolin, lead and tenor vocal Dave has been on stage since kindergarden, much to his teacher's and parent's dismay. Singing with his siblings and in school and church choirs has been a large part of his music backround. He was 'turned on' to bluegrass by a Down from the Mountain concert in 2000. Dave met Joe, Duncan and Gary at the Carltone Music Marin bluegrass jam, and Mike at a jam at Gary's house. String Break has grown from these friendships. Jesse McReynolds and Frank Wakefield are his favorite mandolin players.	Joe Osborn: Fiddle, lead, tenor and baritone vocal A San Francisco native, now living in San Anselmo, Joe has been studying music since childhood, and has a long-time interest in Bluegrass. In his teenage years he worked in the Violin Shop of Bob Scoville, alongside folk and Bluegrass music legends Laurie Lewis and Dave Bromberg. As a Bluegrass fiddler, he has studied with former Bluegrass Boys Gene Lowinger and Bobby Hicks, as well as National Adult and State Fiddle Champion Megan Lynch. Joe has also been active in Contest Fiddling, and has won or placed in many events. This October, he won first prize at the picking/fiddling contest at Auburn Bluegrass Fest II.-----------

Mike Staninec: Guitar, lead and baritone vocal Mike has loved bluegrass and old-time music since his high school days and in the last few years has been an active performer with the Atlas Cafe house band. Some of his favorites are Doc Watson, Delmore Brothers, Reno and Smiley and of course, Bill Monroe.	Duncan Draper: Bass Duncan pursues many genres of music as a drummer and Hammond organ/piano /accordion player: jazz, folk, country, and Brazilian percussion. He works as a multi instrumental accompanist and composer for dance companies and schools, and has created music for independent films. Duncan hails from new England originally and has long been a huge fan of folk music, bluegrass and Americana. He figured he might get to play some if he took up an instrument that was unwieldy but definitely necessary; a good choice unlike the accordion and perhaps the sousaphone, which are still waiting for unconditional acceptance in traditional bluegrass circles. He very much enjoys playing with these folks.

Bruce Thompson : banjo, lead, tenor and baritone vocals Bruce is a native Californian from a musical family. He got hooked on bluegrass and old time music during the 1960’s folk music revival. He has played banjo and guitar off and on since high school and participated in high school, college, and church choirs. He plays both bluegrass and old-time styles on the banjo, and likes to restore old banjos.	Karen Grace: Guitar, lead and tenor vocal Karen grew up on bluegrass and gospel music played by her family. She sings with String Break when her busy schedule of a full time job and night school allows