Barley Jacks

“Synergy is the interaction of forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual parts.” – an apt description for the Barley Jacks. Brian’s mastery of the fiddle and mandolin is perfectly complemented by the virtuosity of Mike Cramer on guitar, Keith Yanes on bass, and Joel Arpin on percussion. The first thing an audience notices is the way these amazing musicians interact on stage. Each player listens and responds to the others. Brian responds to a musical idea of Mikes’s that is in turn elaborated on by Keith. Brian replies and so on until the music becomes something new and alive. Audience members get caught up in the action not unlike spectators watching top tennis players play an extended volley at Wimbledon. These guys really play and they really play.

Native Minnesotan Brian Wicklund has been an integral part of the acoustic music scene for decades. As a teenager, he won dozens of fiddle contests. He has toured nationally and internationally with bands Stoney Lonesome, Judith Edelman Band, Kathy Kallick Band, Lorie Line’s Pop Chamber Orchestra, Chris Stuart Band, and currently with Brother Mule. He has been busy as a studio musician and producer laying down fiddle and mandolin tracks on over a hundred projects including two CD projects of his own. Brian also wrote best-selling books, American Fiddle Method published by Mel Bay. He is in constant demand as a teacher worldwide. Mike Cramer brings 20 years of eclectic guitar virtuosity to the band. Keith is as comfortable in a symphony as he is in a jazz combo or a bluegrass band. Joel constantly seeks grooves to propel the band in new directions. Together, they truly are synergy.