IDA RED band members are from Ardrossan and Edmonton. They met and developed a friendship at the Northern Bluegrass Circle Music Society’s (NBCMS) Wednesday night jam. Ida Red has fun, enjoys each other’s company and can find the lighter side of life.
Carolyn & Linda share an interest in the traditional Bluegrass songs and sounds of Monroe, the Stanley Brothers and the Louvin Brothers. Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard hold a special place in their hearts and with the help of their vocal coach, mentor and band mate, Rhonda Withnell, they try to emulate the sound and passion of these pioneering women of Bluegrass.
Carolyn Hotte (vocals and guitar) Carolyn’s strong rhythm guitar and charismatic vocal style have earned acclaim for the Hotte Family Band as they performed at festivals and fundraising events throughout North America. Carolyn is well known among the Bluegrass community for work with the NBCMS and in particular for her enthusiastic mentoring of beginners through workshops and slow pitch jams.
Linda Saboe: (vocals and mandolin) Linda played mandolin with the NBCMS house band, at many open stages and occasionally with the “Hotte Family Band”. She is a member of the St Nicholas Mandolin Ensemble and has played at many charity and fundraising events. Linda keeps Ida Red grounded and has a great sense of humour.
Rhonda Withnell (vocals) Rhonda teaches Vocals at Edmonton’s Grant McEwen College. We are thankful for her sweet voice and versatility that span many vocal styles including Bluegrass, Big Band, Blues, Jazz, Musical Theatre and 70’s funk. “Once Was”, Rhonda’s first CD released in 2005, has it all melody, harmony and rhythm. Her second CD “If I Ruled the World” made CKUA’s top 100 list for 2007. Rhonda is a very busy performer on her own but she finds time to join Ida Red when scheduling permits.
Matt Hotte (fiddle & banjo) Matt a truly gifted multi instrumentalist has toured Europe and played many North American festivals with Lost Highway from California and played throughout the US with the Liberty Bluegrass Boys from Texas, the Gillis Brothers from Georgia and Third Generation from Oklahoma. Locally Matt has played with the Hotte family Band, Maple Creek, Black Lightning, The Bix Boys and the Allen Christie Band. Matt has an awesome sense of time and a talent for knowing what to play and he plays it well. Always entertaining with his skill and showmanship Matt’s playing ability is way beyond his years and we are grateful he has joined us. He has been a repeat instructor at the NBCMS workshop. Matt plays banjo and collaborated with Ken Orrick writing the title tune on “Hills of Home” recorded by Liberty Bluegrass Boys.
Les Eberhardt (guitar) founding member of Woodbend Bluegrass Band has played music most of his life. Coming from a country background finding and falling in love with bluegrass. Les brings with him candidness and perfectionism. His guitar work is remarkable. Les is a great asset. Woodbend’s first CD “All for You” released in 2008 is "Sweet sounds, good pickin' and happy music. As reviewed by George McKnight of Uptown Bluegrass. Les spent many hours working on this project and he has done a fine job. We are pleased he makes time to perform with Ida Red.
Ken Hotte (bass) Ken is the heartbeat of the band and is kept busy keeping us in time, honest and amused. A seasoned drummer Ken took up the bass 6 years ago when he got tired of watching his family play Bluegrass. Since moving from the dark side (his passion for Rock & Roll), he has played with his family band at festivals as well as open stages, charity and fundraising events. We are thankful he took up the bass and enjoy his honesty, sense of humour and bus driving skills!
Ron Mercer (dobro & banjo) Ron also has played music all of his life, many of his years as an impersonator. Ron brings a wealth of experience and comedy to Ida Red. Ron is a talented, easygoing, accommodating and very much in demand. He plays in two other bands Woodbend and Prairie Pilgrims but like the rest of his band mates he is “plum fool ‘bout Ida Red ‘. |
