Uncle Ephus Band Bio
​Named after a tune of the same title, Uncle Ephus was created in 2008 to showcase the repertoire of Doug Cornelius. Doug’s experiences from playing and singing with the acclaimed “Music Farmers” in the 70s and 80s at Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Vegas resorts, and universities to audiences as big as 10,000 energizes Uncle Ephus.
Each band member brings a vast amount of musical and performance experience to Uncle Ephus.
Uncle Doug is a lead vocalist and washboard percussionist with Uncle Ephus. He has been known to lead some folk and line dancing too.
Aunt Linda (Linda Dryden) plays autoharp and guitar and is a lead vocalist. Her experience performing with various musical groups has enriched Uncle Ephus. Linda is a trained actress, costume designer, puppeteer, retired Fresno State professor, and wonderful vocalist
Uncle Steve (Stephen Barnett) maintains our rhythm on guitar and vocals. His experience singing and playing various styles of music with other bands has added a wonderful mix of vocal harmonies. Steve’s singing and guitar rhythms adds a contagious level of energy to the band.
Aunt Barbara (Barbara LaRae Brown) plays banjo, harmonica, and fiddle. She can yodel and harmonize with grace and style. Barbara’s vast experience in playing with diverse musicians and bands allows her to fall right into any music Uncle Ephus plays.
Uncle Ed (Ed Hawke) has the experience of playing bass with different styles of music in other bands, Ed often adds some welcome variations and surprises to our music.
Uncle Ron (Ron Zastovnik) plays mandolin and will sometimes sing along. Ron has been playing the mandolin for about 25 years in the old-timey and Irish styles. Mixing in a little bluegrass styles helps make Uncle Ephus a little more than just an old time string band.
Aunt Jean (Jean Kilpatrick) adds beautiful melodies and harmonies on the fiddle from experiences in playing Old Time, Irish and Bluegrass music.