“The MusicMan” - Tim Bivins

Believe it or not, drummer Jarrett is also a gifted TROMBONIST. We recently spoke to Tim Bivins, who has been Jarrett’s trombone instructor since middle school. Curious? Keep reading!

• You started out on trumpet… when did you begin playing?

  I started playing… in the 5th grade.

• Do you play any other instruments?

  I have since branched out into… the Brasswind family… all the saxophones, and clarinet.

• Are you currently playing in a band, and if so, what band?

  I currently play with the First Baptist North Orchestra.

• When did you play your first gig? Details?

  …when I was in 11th grade at a church near Greenville, SC. I made $50.

• Which do you prefer: solo, duo, or full band, and why?

  I enjoy the versatility of playing multiple instruments in a variety of settings…

• How long have you been teaching lessons?

  I started teaching lessons in college on the side for the extra cash flow. Eventually it grew into a full-time business…

• How did you begin teaching trombone?

  Same answer.

• What inspired you to teach your skills to others?

  …the extra cash flow and being my own boss… plus, I really enjoy teaching and sharing my skills with others.

• Teaching and playing gigs are your main jobs?

  I do have some side hustles.

• What advice would you give to a beginning student?

  Practice, practice, practice… and never give up!

• What qualities make a good musician?

  To be not only ‘good’ but also ‘successful,’ requires a sense of responsibility and professionalism in the working environment, and an innate love of music never hurts.

• How long has Jarrett been taking lessons from you?

  Since 2016

• What is Jarrett’s greatest skill as a trombonist?

  Jarrett is physically well-equipped for Trombone with a natural embouchure, his overall love of music… and his energetic personality have all contributed to his success.

• How have Jarrett’s lessons changed from when he started playing?

  Obviously, Jarrett is capable of performing much more difficult and challenging material than when he first started, and with a more mature approach.

  Jarrett is certainly very gifted as a musician, and he is versatile as well - as can be seen by his success both as a drummer and a trombonist. He has accomplished a lot through the years, which is somewhat rare to see someone do on two completely different instruments. He obviously loves music

For lessons with Tim Bivins please contact: 

Roper Music 

(864) 542-2263 

“Mista Sticks” - Kevin Heuer

We recently caught up with Kevin Heuer, who has been Jarrett’s drum instructor for the past five years. Keep reading for the scoop! 

1.  When did you start playing drums?  

In 1969, when I was 8 years old. 

 2. Do you play any other instruments? 

No  

3. Are you currently playing in a band, and if so, what band? 

I play with a few bands: Low Stakes, Faulty Plowers, Evan’s Dilemma, and Stephen Cantrelll. 

4. When did you play your first gig? Details? 

My first PAID gig was with the AMVETS Band in 1988. I made $60. 

5. Which do you prefer: solo, duo, or full band, and why? 

Full band - I’m a drummer! 

6. How long have you been teaching drum lessons? 

Since 1987. 

7. How did you begin teaching drums? 

I had lost a day job and thought I’d try teaching. I met a man in Greenville named Charlie Wood. He gave me a shot and the rest is history! 

8. What inspired you to teach your skills to others? 

I had great teachers growing up, and I knew I could help younger students. 

9. Are teaching and playing gigs your main jobs? 

Yes 

10. What advice would you give to a beginning drummer? 

Find a teacher, at least for a while, and learn to read music a little. 

11. What qualities make a good drummer? 

Supporting the song and the singer, playing good time, showing up on time, and not being an ass. 

12. How long has Jarrett been taking drum lessons? 

5 years 

13. What is Jarrett’s greatest strength as a drummer? 

The variety of music he plays is great, and his personal style. 

14. How have Jarrett’s lessons changed from when he started playing? 

He’s way better now! 

Evan’s Dilemma

For drum lessons with Kevin Heuer please contact: 

Roper Music 

(864) 542-2263 

The Cherry-Red Guitar

Photo courtesy of: Still Moments Photography by Janna

In life, there are moments that stand out, moments that weave themselves into the fabric of who we are, leaving an indelible mark on our souls. Sometimes these moments arise from the most unexpected circumstances, revealing the true essence of human resilience and generosity. The story of Jace and his papa's cherry-red Gibson Les Paul guitar is one of these.

In a hospital room in Greenville, amid the sterile scent of antiseptic and the soft hum of medical equipment, Jace's papa battled the relentless onslaught of cancer. He found himself submerged in the depths of chemo-induced delirium, his mind wandering to a place of solace, where music flowed like a healing balm for his weary spirit.

In a gesture of hope and longing, Papa made a decision that would change the course of their lives. He ordered a beautiful cherry red Gibson Les Paul guitar, envisioning himself strumming its strings with fervor, a defiant melody against the backdrop of his illness. Little did he know that God had other plans in store.

As the days passed and the harsh reality of treatment took its toll, neuropathy crept into Papa's hands, rendering them unable to pluck the strings or even hold a pick. The guitar, once a symbol of hope, now lay silent in its case, a reminder of Papa’s physical limitations.

But rather than succumb to despair, Papa made a decision that spoke volumes about the depth of his love and the resilience of the human spirit. He turned to his grandson, Jace, with eyes filled with quiet determination and handed him the guitar.

For Jace, the gift was more than just a musical instrument; it was a legacy passed down from grandfather to grandson, a tangible expression of love amidst pain and uncertainty. With trembling fingers, Jace embraced the guitar, feeling its weight and resonance against his chest. In that moment, a bond was forged that transcended words, a silent understanding between them.

In the days that followed, Jace poured his heart and soul into the music, his fingers dancing across the strings with a newfound sense of purpose. Each chord became a prayer, each melody a testament to the healing power of God, love, and family.

The cherry red Gibson Les Paul guitar became more than just an instrument; it became a symbol of love, courage, and the power of music to heal. It taught Jace that sometimes the greatest gifts come not from what we receive, but from what we give

The Guitar Teacher- Tad Taylor

Questions with Bryson’s guitar teacher.

1. When did you start playing guitar? 

It is difficult for me to remember a time not playing guitar at this point. Around age three or four my parents gave me a toy-like guitar and a drum set. I eventually destroyed the drum set pretending I was putting on a KISS concert, and my parents said, “I guess you’ll have to learn how to play that guitar now.” They gave me a little Sears Catalog acoustic guitar and a Mel Bay Songbook when I was five. My dad said he would sign me up for guitar lessons when I taught myself a song out of the songbook. It took me three years, but I finally did, so he signed me up for guitar lessons with Dale Burgess at Smith Music when I was eight. I have been playing ever since.  

2. Do you play any other instruments? 

If it has frets and strings, I can get some sounds out of it if I mess with it for a bit. I sing in the groups I perform with. I used to play decent piano, but my chops have gotten very rusty. I can play the drums a little. One of my most fun performance memories is from when I sat in with some area musicians at a jam night a few years ago and played drums on a cover of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ In The Free World.” 

3. Are you currently playing in any bands? 

I currently perform with two acts: Bill & Tad’s Excellent Duo and The Secret Band. While the duo performs much more frequently than the band these days, the band was formed first. I co-formed the duo with The Secret Band drummer Bill Fletcher as it became more difficult to book frequent full-band gigs and area venues began offering smaller acoustic acts more opportunities. When the pandemic hit, we had to get creative in order to continue performing, so the duo began playing outdoor shows at North Carolina wineries. That has become the bulk of the shows we perform these days. We have been lucky. The Secret Band shows are less frequent, but very fun. The other guys in the band are very talented, and we enjoy stretching out and improvising. In addition to Bill on drums, The Secret Band features Sean O’Shields on pedal steel and Jonathan Inman on bass and vocals.  

4. When did you play your first gig?  

I was 15 years old when I played my first gig with E-Z Axcess at the 1987 Spartanburg Spring Fling. It was a power trio (guitar, bass, and drums), and the bass player sang. My dad had a role coordinating and operating Spring Fling in those years, so he offered us the gig with no pay so we could get the experience. To paint the picture, I had a mullet with a perm in the back, wore a RATT t-shirt with cut-off sleeves, and wore handcuffs as a belt. We performed covers by Van Halen, Motley Crue, and Poison. What can I say? It was the Eighties… 

5. Which do you prefer; solo, duo or full band and why? 

This comes up a lot in conversations Bill and I have traveling to and from gigs, since we do both the duo and full band. I really don’t enjoy playing solo very much. I simply get tired of listening to myself after a while, and I really enjoy the chemistry and artistic exchange of playing with other musicians. I enjoy the duo and the band for different reasons. I play 12-string acoustic with the duo, and I find that instrument to be an art form in and of itself. I enjoy its challenges, and I relish its sounds. Plus, the duo puts an emphasis on vocals and harmony. In the band I play electric, however, so I get to stretch out a little bit, crank it up some, and do some lead work. I find both scenarios very satisfying in their own ways. 

6. How long have you been teaching guitar lessons? 

I have been teaching professionally since 1988, so 36 years. 

7. How did you get into teaching guitar? 

At the suggestion of my guitar teacher at that time. I was taking from a great jazz guitarist, the late Tim Hayden, who opened my mind to the world of music theory. He said there was an opening for a guitar instructor at Smith Music, and he suggested I apply for the job. I met with the store manager thinking Tim had contacted him to give me a referral, but I found out years later they had not talked. I got the job nonetheless, and I have by and large been teaching in some capacity ever since.  

8. What inspired you to start teaching your skills to others? 

I was only 16 when I started, so at first, I just wanted a job where I didn’t have to cut my hair and I could play my guitar. It was scary for me at first, because the store would refer students to me of all ages and various skill levels. I never knew what question I might be asked, so it very much encouraged me to organize my knowledge and continue to explore new things to play and study. What has inspired me since is bringing people of all walks of life and ages the joy of guitar. After all these years I love playing guitar as much as ever, and I like to think I enjoy it on an increasingly deeper level. I love sharing that joy with students and shepherding them through the demands and difficulties of pursuing mastery of the instrument. I hope that I instill a gratefulness for music in one’s life. I am also inspired by seeing students grow, learn, and hone their crafts. I feel like a proud poppa when I see them form bands, write, and record. That’s the joy they give me in return. 

9. Is teaching and playing gigs your main job? 

It took me many years to do it, but I have been completely able to make my living preforming and teaching music for some time now. I still remember what a monumental milestone it felt like to be able to put, “Musician,” on my tax form for the first time. I feel lucky. 

10. What advice would you give a beginning guitarist? 

Embrace the process. Listen to lots of your favorite music and keep loving it. Keep your guitar in your hands as much as possible; enjoy holding it and get comfortable with it. Guitar can be very demanding, and you're not going to sound the way you want at first. If you can enjoy the fascination of the pursuit, that will keep you engaged and encouraged as you develop. 

11. What qualities do you think make a guitarist good? 

This has changed for me over the years. As a teenager I was impressed with speed and distortion. I see that now as dexterity and power, and it can be quiet intensity and mastery of the spaces in between the notes and the chords. Most of all a player has to speak to me emotionally to get under my skin. I love musical surprises, and I like to be taken where I haven't been before. That can come from any style, and it can come from the present or the past. 

12. How long has Bryson been taking lessons from you? 

Bryson began taking in August 2011, so he’s coming up on 13 years now. I’ve literally watched him grow up and become a fine musician, and I’ve enjoyed it so much! 

13. What is Bryson’s greatest skill as a guitarist? 

Number one is his discipline, plus his love for music and his ear. He has tackled every challenge I have given him over the years with tenacity and determination, and he holds himself to the highest standard. I appreciate that very much as a teacher. I know how much good that does for him. Bryson is one of those special kinds that has the family musical gene. It’s different in musicians like that. It’s like time-honored oral traditions passed down from generation to generation, and I can often tell someone who’s been raised in a musical family. They have that old-soul musical sensibility. His grandmother had it, and she was determined that he would carry it on as well. I always admired her; she was an ardent believer in the power and importance of music. 

14. How are the lessons that Bryson takes now different from when he started? 

I offer him much more real-world playing advice these days. I try to throw curve balls at him and see how he responds. I put an emphasis on awareness of tonal center, key, underlying chord progression, and phrasing. Our conversations may be theoretical, philosophical, mechanical, or stylistic. I find it very enjoyable to share advanced lessons with him. It opens my mind as well! 

UPCOMING SHOW

Bill & Tad’s Excellent Duo

Friday June 28: Delaney’s Irish Pub. Spartanburg. 8 pm  

Saturday June 29: Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cidery. Hendersonville, NC. 3 pm 

Saturday July 13: Mountain Brook Vineyards. Tryon, NC. 3 pm 

Friday July 19: Parker-Binns Vineyard. Mill Spring, NC. 6 pm 

Saturday July 20: Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cidery. Hendersonville, NC. 3 pm 

Friday July 26: Delaney’s Irish Pub. Spartanburg. 8 pm 

Fri. Aug. 2: Rutherford Food, Art & Brew Fest. Rutherfordton, NC. 6 pm 

Saturday Aug. 3: Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cidery. Hendersonville, NC. 3 pm 

Sunday Aug. 4: Souther Williams Vineyards. Fletcher, NC. 2 pm 

Sat. Aug. 10: Burntshirt Vineyards. Hendersonville, NC. 4 pm 

Sunday Aug. 11: Fr8Yard. Spartanburg. 3 pm 

The Secret Band

Saturday July 27: Rockers Brewery. Spartanburg. 6:30 pm 

For guitar lessons with Tad Taylor please contact: 

Roper Music 

(864) 542-2263 

Stone Creek

THE BAND has many stories about things that have happened during gigs. One particular occurrence this past weekend could have been disastrous but turned out to be an unforgettable experience.  

Creek Band was scheduled to appear at a venue in Forest City, NC in place of a band that had canceled. But sometime after Creek agreed to appear, the other band was also re-scheduled to appear, resulting in a double-booking. Both bands showed up to play in a venue that was barely big enough for one. Needless to say, tension was high to start the evening. But soon, the initial tension dissipated into a shared camaraderie and a memorable night for both bands and the audience. 

 Turns out, this other band - Stone Mule - was an awesome group of guys who were gracious enough to share the stage! (Not literally - the bands set up on opposite ends of the room). Stone Mule plays a similar set of music, so they worked it out with Creek to alternate sets. Creek and those guys even played “Wish You Were Here” together like they had been playing together for years! They also took a turn singing with each on two different songs.

Creek Band and Stone Mule not only navigated the challenge of the double-booking but also came together to create a unique and exciting experience. The unexpected collaboration and mutual respect between the bands added an extra layer of energy and excitement to the performance, making it an unforgettable evening for everyone involved. It's moments like these that truly showcase the power of music to bring people together and turn potential conflicts into moments of celebration and unity. What might have been an evening of regretful competition turned into a crowd-pumping, kick-ass show with new friends (shout-out to Stone Mule!)      

 Check out the pictures and videos below from a memorable evening.

Photos courtesy of Still Moments Photography by Janna

Discover live music magic with Creek Band and Stone Mule.

Meet Phil Upthe Tips-Bucket

Photo courtesy of Still Moments Photography by Janna

Not pictured: Penny and Buck Tips-Bucket

15 Questions with Phil Upthe Tips-Bucket- Bucket/Tips Collector

1. Name: Phil Upthe Tips-Bucket 

2. Birthday: April 20,1969 

3. Hometown: Hell Hole Swamp, South Carolina 

4. Favorite instrument: Accordion 

5. Tell us about your family: I had 12 Little Tips-Buckets, but some were stolen by greedy people. 

6. Which instruments did you play in high school? I played in the pots, pans and washboard band before graduating from the ninth grade. 

7. What made you want to become a musician? I am a bucket.  

8. What are your hobbies or interests outside of music? I am an accountant for fun. I also enjoy money collecting.  

9. Tell me about the craziest/worst thing that has ever happened onstage. They forgot me on stage once.  

10. What qualities do you think make a great musician? The amount of money one makes as a musician.  

11. How do you handle performance anxiety (nervousness)? I am a bucket.  

12. What is the most trouble that you have ever gotten into? Cases are still pending, but I have been in a little trouble. We will not talk about those DUIs.  

13. What is your favorite song to perform? On The Hunt, because it reminds me to hunt down my missing kids.  

14. Who are your biggest influences? Buckethead, Helmet, Johnny Paycheck and Eddie Money.  

15. What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you? I am a bucket. 

Meet Alex

Photo courtesy of Still Moments Photography by Janna

15 Questions with Alex Austin - Bass Guitar

1. Name: Alex Austin 

2. Birthday: May 21st, 1997 

3. Hometown: Moved around a lot as a kid. 

4. Favorite instrument: Guitar 

5. What made you want to become a musician? Guitar Hero 2 

6. Which instruments did you play in high school? Saxophone and guitar 

7. What are your hobbies or interests outside of music? Video games, rock climbing, and spending time with my dog. 

8. Describe your favorite performance venue. Crowded bar that serves food. 

9. Tell me about the craziest/worst thing that has ever happened onstage. Probably forgetting what key, a song was in. 

10. What qualities do you think make a great musician? Self-awareness.  

11. How do you handle performance anxiety (nervousness)? I hide in the back. 

12. What is the most trouble that you have ever gotten into? Not sure, probably something I did as a kid. 

13. What is your favorite song to perform? Folsom Prison Blues 

14. Who Are Your Biggest Influences? Aragorn 

15. What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you? Understand where your part fits in. 

Meet Dani

Photo courtesy of: Janna Woody Smith

16 Questions with Dani Austin - Lead Vocals

 1. Name: Danielle Lynn Austin 

2. Birthday: December 5th 

3. Hometown: Saint James, NY 

4. Favorite instrument: I can’t play any personally, but I’d say guitar. 

5. What made you want to become a musician? I started singing when I got a karaoke machine for Christmas when I was about 4. I grew up listening to Ashlee Simpson and Hilary Duff and I knew I wanted to sing and perform like them. 

6. Which instruments did you play in high school? I didn’t play any instruments, but I was in choir all 4 years. I was a pro on the recorder in elementary school though :) 

7. What are your hobbies or interests outside of music? Outside of music I like to bake, paint, travel, and spend time outside whenever it’s nice out.

8. Describe your favorite performance venue. The thing that makes a performance venue great to me is the people that are there to listen. A great crowd with big energy feels incredible to play to.

9. Tell me about the craziest/worst thing that has ever happened onstage. At one gig we played, the microphone connection was weird I guess, and I got shocked a few times which was startling…but I was fine! 

10. What qualities do you think make a great musician? I think the ability to adjust on the fly is crucial for anyone who performs live. You never know when there’ll be a technical issue or what not, so being able to adapt and stay chill in the moment is important.  

 11. How do you handle performance anxiety (nervousness)? (Not well!) To this day I still get crazy anxiety before just about every show, but joking around with the rest of the band always helps. Plus, once that first song starts all the nerves melt away.

12. What is the most trouble that you ever have gotten into? Honestly, I was a goody goody growing up so never got in much trouble…but probably was when I got my first tattoo. 

13. What is your favorite song to perform? We’re always working on adding new songs to the setlist, so it changes a lot but right now it’s a rocked-up cover of Before He Cheats.  

14. Who Are Your Biggest Influences? Stevie Nicks, Miley Cyrus, Kelsy Karter, Joni Mitchell

15. What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you? Play every show like it’s your last one because life can change in the blink of an eye.  

 16. Tell me about your experience on the X-Factor! I auditioned in high school back in NY. My mom and I waited in endless lines all day in this big basketball arena and then in the center of the arena there were about 100 curtained off cubicles each with a random judge in them. I could hear everyone around me singing, which was wild, and then I got about 45 seconds to sing a song to this one guy (I did “Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera) and he handed me a pink sheet of paper that got me into the next round! It was a whirlwind but so much fun.

Take a listen to some of Dani’s favorite songs.

Meet Jace

Photo courtesy of: Janna Woody Smith

16 Questions with Jace Yarborough - Rhythm Guitar/Vocals

1. Full name: James Cleveland (Jace) Yarborough         

2. Birthday: November 10th          

3. Hometown: I was born in Greenville, SC.          

4. Favorite instrument: Electric guitar.          

5. What made you want to become a musician? Watching my papa play growing up.          

6. Which instruments did you play in high school? Guitar, bass, and drums.          

7. What are your hobbies or interests outside of music? Fishing.          

8. What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician? I think a strength that I have is that I [can] improvise and learn more from what I come up with instead of learning songs note for note.          

9. What is your greatest weakness? Finger speed.          

10. Describe your favorite performance venue. I don’t think I have a favorite if there’s a crowd. 

11. Tell me about the craziest/worst thing that has ever happened onstage. What did you learn from this experience? Probably when I broke strings on all my guitars and had to use Bryson’s guitar. Learned my lesson on replacing strings.         

12. What qualities do you think make a great musician? Being open-minded to new ideas and learning new stuff.  

13. What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you? Probably the words “if it feels right, it sounds right.”                  

14. What is the most trouble that you ever have gotten into? Probably having the police called for a noise complaint from guitars.          

15. What is your favorite song to perform? My own song “Rotten to the Core.”          

16. Who Are Your Biggest Influences? Motley Crue, Led Zeppelin, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. 

Take a listen to some of Jace’s favorite songs/albums.

Meet Jarrett

Photo courtesy of: Janna Woody Smith

15 Questions with Jarrett Iskra - Drummer/Vocals

1. Full name: Jarrett Jeffrey Iskra

2. Birthday: September 15th

3. Hometown: Spartanburg SC

4. Favorite instrument: “The drums believe it or not (saxophones are cool also).”

5. What made you want to become a musician? “A lot of influence, mainly the music my dad listened to, and movies about bands/musicians.”

6. Which instruments did you play in high school? “Trombone (still do).”

7. What are your hobbies or interests outside of music? “I make YouTube videos (edit them myself), but also Rain On Mars on Spotify and Apple Music. I also watch Pro Wrestling.”

8. Tell me about the craziest/worst thing that has ever happened onstage. “I [messed] up a song so bad bro, it was so awkward.”

9. What qualities do you think make a great musician? “Patience, creativity, timing/tempo management, and not being a hassle to work with.”

10. How do you handle performance anxiety (nervousness)? “Be a man. I just think about how awesome the show will be if I don't screw it up and it helps a lot.”

11. What is the most trouble that you ever have gotten into? “My lawyer has requested I do not finish [this] statement.”  HA!

12. What is your favorite song to perform? “Used to be ‘Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You’ but now we just started playing ‘Sex Type Thing’ and I love it every time. Also, ‘Ocean Man.’”

13. How did you come up with the Creek Band name? “So there's this creek…”

14. Who are your biggest influences? “King Crimson, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Ween, System Of A Down, Led Zeppelin, Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana…”

15. What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you? “Fit the song, don't try to steal the spotlight when not necessary, lean off the vibe of the crowd, ‘stop tuning you've been at this for 3 hours,’ …”

He’s hilarious!

Take a listen to some of Jarrett’s favorite songs.

Take a listen to some of Jarrett’s favorite songs from his Rain On Mars channel.

Meet Bryson

15 Questions with Bryson Iskra - Lead Guitarist

1. Birthday: January 5th

2. Hometown: Spartanburg, SC

3. Favorite instrument: Guitar

4. What made you want to become a musician? Playing Guitar Hero and my Papa

5. Which instruments did you play in high school? Guitar

6. What are your hobbies or interests outside of music? Fishing, traveling, camping, going out

7. Describe your favorite performance venue. “I can’t honestly say… every place has its own charm.”

8. Tell me about the craziest/worst thing that has ever happened onstage. “I had a cable crap itself (go out) and had to panic to get a new one.”

9. What qualities do you think make a great musician? “Creativity, passion, and a general love for all music.”

10. How do you handle performance anxiety (nervousness)? “I just breathe and remember this is what I want to do for my career.”

11. What is the most trouble that you ever have gotten into? “Almost had the cops called on me when I was a kid.” (Yeah, but what did you DO, Bryson? ;) )

12. What is your favorite song to perform? “I don’t think I can really say I have a favorite.”

13. How did you come up with the Creek Band name? “Just by taking the names of what was around (nearby places).”

14. Who are your biggest influences? “David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, and many more.”

15. What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you? “Be true to yourself and just never stop playing.”

Well said!!

Take a listen to some of Bryson’s favorite songs.