LARRY WHEAT  discovered traditional music as a result of hearing the folk trios that were popular during the “great folk scare” of the 1960’s.  Enjoying the music but curious about the origin of the songs that were being sung on recordings and in coffee houses at that time, he began a quest that continues to this day.  Since his discovery of traditional country music, Larry has performed with several string bands including: The Possum Trotters in the early 70’s, The New Dallas String Band during the mid and late 70’s, The Sweet Song String Band from 1980 until the present, and now the Salt Rock Rounders from its inception.  Favorite artists: The Cofer Brothers, Uncle Dave Macon and Doc Roberts.  Larry plays fiddle, mandolin and guitar in a “ragged but right” style. “So many tunes, so little time.”

EARNIE TAFT has been fiddling for nearly 40 years.  He is a self taught “shortbow” fiddler and has been active in the Dallas / Fort Worth folk music scene for most of those years.  He met Lee and Janita Thomas while in college in Denton ; shortly thereafter, he and Lee founded Saltlick, a bluegrass band that also soon included Harris.  Saltlick played in the Dallas area for over 20 years.  In the late 1970’s, Earnie and Larry helped to found the New Dallas String Band that specialized in 18th and 19th century country dance music.  This band and its talented musicians actively inspired the local resurgence in old time music.  Earnie later developed an interest in Irish music and played with Tinker’s Dam an Irish ceili band that helped to initiate the early growth of Irish music and cultural awareness in Dallas in the 1980’s.  He has since performed with the Irish Rogues, Dallas ’ premier pub band for the last 15 years.  His love for old time music has recently brought him back to country fiddlin’ with his old friends, Lee, Janita, Larry and Harris in the Salt Rock Rounders.

LEE THOMAS while in college and by random chance saw Earl Scruggs on a TV special.  The rest is history. Absorbed, obsessed, possessed, and insane over the five string, his life became the banjo. Dropped out of college, abandoned his wife, went on the road and never looked back…….

JANITA THOMAS is just kidding about Lee.  He married Janita and she managed to get Lee to finish college and law school, not give up his day job and actually have a life outside of the banjo. Thankfully, she loved the music as much as he did and founded an all female band of her own (The Dixie Dewdrops), learning to play guitar and mandolin.  Lee and Janita had previously formed a band together even before the Rounders (Hard Times) with Harris specializing in Americana .  Along came three babies and lots of music lessons for them…before Lee and Janita got back to playing music together again.  Janita teachers school (English and History) and supports Lee enabling him to go crazy once again and buy more banjos.  She learned how to play the bass so she could hear more of Lee’s banjo playing; she just can’t get enough.

HARRIS KIRBY is undescribable.  You just have to see him in person.  A music natural.  Too many bands to mention (ok, here’s a few: Tennessee Valley Authority, Killbilly, John Denver Tribute Band) Too much talent…he even acts!  Playing guitar, bass, mandolin or uke….he adds the unique, cool image to the Rounders.  If you suspect he’s a member of Mensa, you’re right.