Band Member Bios

Linda describes herself as a bluegrass veteran, as she has played for 44  years. She was attracted to the Scruggs style banjo at age 11.  In 1980 she bought a banjo and began her musical journey.  

She has played in several noteworthy  bluegrass bands, including:  

* Better Times (Port Alberni) 

* Island Blue Rose (Qualicum Beach) 

* Grassmates (Port Alberni)

* Raisin' Cain (Qualicum Beach)

* Crazy Hearts (Kelowna), and

* The Dilly RoseBuds.

*BackPorch Banjo  to present

She has an additional recording with Grassmates. 

Major influences include Earl Scruggs, J D Crowe, Ralph Stanley, Pete Wernick, Chris Stevens &  Jeff Scroggins.

Dave came to Bluegrass Music later in his life, and to the upright bass even later than that. This has definitely not kept him from enjoying the bluegrass community and all it has to offer. He loves to participate in the various jams that pop up around town and enjoys holding down the 'bottom end’ of things in the band while singing lead and harmony parts. 

His  influences include Chris Stapleton, both from his SteelDrivers days and today’s solo efforts, and  Alison Kraus w/Union Station, listening for long time member Barry Bales on the standup bass. And since he was late in his life figuring out bluegrass was the way to go he often discovers ‘classics’ that are new to him....so basically anything old is new to him!  

Megan's love for bluegrass music began early, growing up in a small community on the east coast of Nova Scotia. As a young child, she was taken along to bluegrass jams and musical events by her parents, soaking in the sounds that would shape her musical journey. At age 11, inspired by her dad and cousin Brenda, she picked up the guitar and began taking lessons, determined to play just like them.

Over the years, Megan has explored various instruments and most recently added singing to her repertoire. She's thrilled to be joining BPB on mandolin, bringing her deep connection to traditional bluegrass to the band's sound. Her musical influences include Alison Krauss & Union Station, Dan Tyminski, Tony Rice, Rhonda Vincent, and Sierra Hull.

Ted Granger (AKA) Pevoe Slix has been a musician since high school days, playing multiple instruments over the last 65 years. Harmonica, ukulele, guitar, fiddle, mandolin,and bass have all had their turn. Folk, country, blues and rock all had their day as well. This is the 11th band in which he has been a member, over his musical life,

although he still plays several times a week in song circles and open mic situations.

Today bluegrass and mandolin are Ted's band interests, singing lead and harmonies and chucking out the rhythm. Ted started shortly after the formation of BPB back in 2012 playing fiddle and singing some harmony. There have been many changes in the members over that period and Ted retired in 2022 because of heart problems, but those were cured, and he rejoined the band in 2023 to take up his old spot. Ted's philosophy is "Play until you die" and he is not dead yet.

Music has been Joanne’s life since she was five, when she started singing and playing guitar at local talent shows. At eighteen, a Fender Telecaster and a new love of country music, launched her into lead guitar. After touring with four- and five-piece bands through the early '80s, she spent 25 years as lead guitarist, pedal steel player, and banjo player in the duo Taylor & Taylor, with vocals and harmonies at the heart of every performance. The duo toured throughout B.C., Alberta, and The NW Territories, and recorded two original albums, Common Ground (1987) and All Over You (2002).

Today, Joanne works in video production, recording, and live sound, and writes and produces original material. Her country foundation has grown into a passion for bluegrass, and she shines with vocals, harmonies, and acoustic guitar in Back Porch Banjo.