Wendy & The Lost Boys. Left to right: Paul Hannan, Dave Cook, Wendy Koulouris, Jason Ericsson, Bill Rush, Mike Huston
Wendy and the Lost Boys came about as a conglomeration of many years of pure enjoyment of Bluegrass/Americana music. Wendy and Bill met back in 1998 at Children’s Hospital, where they both were working. It was then that Wendy started playing guitar, with the help of Bill and other co-workers at the time, who all shared a love for music. Through the years, the music evolved into a burning desire to get it out there for the world to hear. With the encouragement of Mike Huston, Wendy and the Lost Boys was formed, and then blessed with the addition of Paul, Jason, and Dave! The talents and personalities, of all of the members of the group, have effectively created a high energy, fun-loving sound!
Paul Hannan on Mandolin
Paul Hannan has been playing music of various styles in the Pittsburgh area for years. He was a member of the Band, Bluegrass on Rye, in the 1990s. He was fortunate enough to be asked to record mandolin and backup vocals on the Gathering Field’s 2001 release, So Close to Home.He put out his own CD of original material entitled Pedal Hard, in 2002. This was reviewed favorably and enjoyed some airplay on WYEP in Pittsburgh. He is currently gathering new original material for another solo CD release.
Dave Cook playing fiddle
Dave’s primary instrument is fiddle, which he started learning in 1977 and is still learning. He has performed with the Deer Creek Stringband, The Moonshine Dreamers, The Percolators, and the Spur-of-the-Moment Stringband. In addition to Wendy and the Lost Boys, he currently performs with the East Union Presbyterian Church Praise Band, The Fiddlers, and the Slagtones. Along with the fiddle, Dave blesses the Lost Boys with his musical abilities on harmonica and lap steel guitar. Besides music, Dave is also passionate about bicycling and fundraising for the National MS Society.
Says Dave, “I just want to play my fiddle and ride my bike (but not simultaneously).”
Bob Insko on Upright Bass
Jason Ericsson on Banjo
Jason Ericsson was introduced to Bluegrass 5-string banjo by his father, who
played “Scruggs Style” Banjo. Jason attended East Tennessee State
University’s Country and Bluegrass Music Program from 2001-2005. Jason left
ETSU to join up with Minnesota’s premier Bluegrass band, Monroe Crossing.
He has performed with legendary Bluegrass artists, Kenny Blake and Josh
Graves. In 2007, Jason took 2nd place at the Merlefest Banjo Competition,
and also another 2nd place at Winfield’s National Bluegrass Banjo
Competition.
Mike Huston on Bass, guitar, and vocals
Mike Huston is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and music teacher from the Fawn, PA, area. His hard work and dedication to the local music scene have encouraged many musicians in the area to get out and strut their stuff! Mike is currently involved in a number of local projects including: Wendy and the Lost Boys, The Mercs Blues Band, The Gruuve Band, Barbary Wine, Miss Freddye’s Home Cookin’, and The Larry Belli Trio. Mike also hosts many acoustic open stages around the AK Valley. His warm personality and encouraging spirit offer a welcoming stage for local talent.
Mike’s influences range from the Beatles, The Band, Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkle, The Eagles, The Beach Boys, Neil Young, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, and Led Zeppelin.