Currently we are six members and we have been playing since 2006 as a band. We all have been regular jammers for many years. Instruments in our band are banjos, guitars, harmonicas, tambourine, autoharp, bass, and vocal harmony.
More About Us Individually
Joyce Kramer, Roseville MN
Autoharp
I have always loved music and all kinds of music. I played a little piano through my lifetime for my own enjoyment.
After I retired I started thinking of some type of hobby I could do and not get tired of. My husband Don was taking lessons at the Pickin' Parlor in Richfield MN on banjo and noticed an autoharp on the wall. He asked me if I’d be interested in it and I said, “What’s an autoharp?” Long story short, I tried one out and loved it right from the start! I began jamming with Don every week and learned more and more about Bluegrass music.
After a few years of jamming and many hours of practice I felt confident that we could put together a band and go out into the community and play for folks. That’s exactly what we did in 2007. The Porch Pickers were established and I enjoy playing and singing every chance I get with the talented people in our group.
Hear the autoharp.
Tom Lyons, St Paul MN
Banjo and guitar
Started playing ukulele in the mid 20th century (says he was just a baby).
Has played guitar and banjo for many years.
Formerly with Bitter Ridge bluegrass band.
Tom enjoys and plays bluegrass, country, country blues, gospel, jug band and more. He enjoys traditional jazz, blues and ragtime and will play and sing a few of those songs.
Tom builds a small number of fine acoustic guitars in his home shop, including round neck resonator instruments.
Ken Hillstrom, Eden Prairie MN
Harmonica
I began playing the harmonica at the age of fourteen with my dad as my teacher.
I didn't take it seriously until I started playing with my brothers for many years.
In 2004, my nephew asked me to go with him to the Radisson Hotel in Plymouth MN to the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association (
MBOTMA)
festival. Since then I have found a reason to keep playing and enjoy jamming with other musicians.
Ken is pictured below entertaining folks in Snellman MN, during Snellman Days. Ken and Linda's cabin is nearby.
Ken and Linda grew up in nearby Sebeka and Wolf lake MN.
Linda Hillstrom, Eden Prairie MN
Tamborine and vocal
I have enjoyed music all my life and have always sang in church and school choirs.
I am new in the band and enjoy playing and singing with the Porch Pickers.
Richard (Dick) Lee, Brooklyn Park MN
Bass
Dick has played the bass guitar since 1964. He loves bluegrass, country, and gospel music.
Currently, Dick is playing with three groups:
Culver's Jammers,
Now and Then Classic Country Band, and
The Porch Pickers
Dick also is still playing for church services at his family's church.
Don Kramer, Roseville MN
Banjo and guitar
Has owned banjos and guitars for many years but not much time to practice and play seriously while family was growing up.
Only recently, since retirement in 2002, took lessons for two years from Brian Fesler at the Pickin’ Parlor in Richfield MN, and began to play with others in jams and other get-togethers.
It has been a dual effort of Joyce and Don to get the Porch Picker group started.
Don is also a member of the St. Rose of Lima Church Choir in Roseville.