Pictured left to right are Roger Pazul, Charley Akin, Steve Koppen, Rich Mente, Dave Link, Dennis Rogers and Art Wirtz
Charley Akin
If you recognize the legendary names of Monroe and Scruggs and well-known names like Rice, Skaggs and Krause, you’ll recognize the music that the Dry Heat Pickers mix into jamming, practicing and performing. Our music is a variety of traditional bluegrass inspired by some of the greatest names in its history with a healthy mix of old time gospel and a scattering of “grassed up” folk and country arrangements.
A couple of times a month, we jam to our hearts’ content. Twice a week we practice to polish arrangements and performing skills. On average we perform twice a month at various venues such as senior centers, church functions, arts/crafts fairs and house parties; 2015 highlights included performing in the Chandler Spice of Life Senior Variety Show and at the Salt River Tubing Rockin’ Rodeo.
Bluegrass music begs for a fiddle but we don’t have a full time one. So, if you are or know someone who is an intermediate bluegrass fiddle player, here is an opportunity to join in with a group of bluegrass music enthusiasts who enjoy the music for themselves and enjoy sharing it with others.
Of an intermediate skill level, based in Sun Lakes and named the Dry Heat Pickers, the group is comprised of Sun Lakes and other East Valley retirees. Two guitars, two banjos, one bass, one mandolin and one dobro make up the full-time group with one part-time fiddle participating during some of the winter season. A full time fiddle player is needed and welcome to join the group.
Anyone who is interested in the details can contact Charley at 480-895-2888 or Rich at 480-802-1164.