My interest in music can be attributed to my maternal grandmother who played the piano and sang at various venues. I'm proud to say that because of her music, the love of music has become an integral part of four generations in our family. I started playing brass instruments and singing in choirs in my preteen & teen years. Since I retired 6 years ago, my love of doo-wop and early rock 'n' roll lead me to form a doo-wop group (Forever Young) with some of my neighbors over five years ago. We had the opportunity to perform several shows over the years. About three years ago my love of music expanded to the sweet simple sound of the ukulele. This led me to create a new band (The Doo Ron Band) shortly thereafter.

There have been many famous ukulele players including George Harrison of the Beatles and Israel Kamakawiwoʻole who played and sang the infamous Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Listen to the songs of these great performers and you will notice the unique and pleasant sound of the ukulele. I was instantly hooked on the ukulele. Being a ukulele player in the band, I have an assortment of 4-string ukulele instruments including; Kala Mahogany Tenor, Bamboo Aklot Tenor, Enya Composite Tenor Acoustic/Electric, Maui Banjolele (ukulele and banjo) and two electric RISA Tenor ukuleles (a LP and Telecaster). Each is a pleasure to play and each provides a certain texture to a song. I have also spent some time playing the acoustic guitar, but prefer the ukulele. In addition to playing I also arrange songs for the group.

Music is a part of our family. My parents sang, my brother was a very good trumpet player and my sister was a concert pianist. I played piano when young. Later I started playing guitar. Then I went on a long cruise and they had ukulele lessons on-board so I decided to learn it and got hooked. I have played the Soprano Ukulele and Tenor Ukulele. Then one day, I heard the bass ukulele. I loved it and started playing the bass. So much fun playing in a ukulele group.

I’ve been playing in professional situations for over 50 years. I’ve worked with rock bands, off Broadway, big band, doo-wop, wedding bands, country; pretty much most styles of music we generally get exposed to. Been a lot of ups and downs in the business and I had stopped playing at different times but in the end it always draws me back as it’s one of those things that’s just part of you. It’s just great making “joyful noise” and it’s never really “work”. Hope to continue as long as I can do it.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved singing and performing.  I’ve been putting on shows my entire life… for my parents, my neighbors, my kids… myself! When I was a kid my backyard was most often my stage. If I was both the performer and the audience, our living room, with a large mirror over the hi-fi, was a great stage. At 12, I inspired to be on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour. That never happened, but, I was still able to sing and perform in my backyard and living room and then later in high school, college and Community Theaters.  Now I am thrilled to play my happy little ukulele, sing and perform with a great group of very talented, fun and fun-loving friends, the Doo Ron’s! It’s definitely a happy place for me!

In Memory of Chip Tolen, our percussion and guitar player

Some people leave the world better than they found it. Chip was one of them. He lived fully, loved deeply, and blessed us with his generous heart, infectious laughter, genuine spirit, and extraordinary musical talent. We were so fortunate to share the stage with him as a member of the Doo Ron Band. His friendship, music, and joyful presence enriched all of our lives, and we miss him terribly. He left alasting mark on our hearts and will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace 🙏