Band Bios

 

Diane Pugh: Diane grew up in north Idaho and has early memories of Wednesday night jams at the Homestead Cafe on old Hwy 2. Her mother loved old folk and bluegrass music and toted her around to many festivals. She and her daughter Elizabeth, have always enjoyed singing together and when her husband Blair got the bluegrass bug in 2003 she knew “they had to join him or never see him again”.

Dave Beyer: Dave met other members at the banjo class taught at church. He has been involved in music most of his life, and always enjoyed the ‘happy sound’ of bluegrass. In 2003 he started playing the banjo and found that he could be part of that great sound he had always loved. “Singing gospel songs makes me feel good inside, and now, with the banjo, I have something to do with my hands while I sing”.
  

Michelle Hansen: Michelle, a Colorado native, is married to her biggest fan. Her wonderful daughter endures endless hours of singing in the car. Michelle’s first exposure to bluegrass was at a concert as a child, featuring the renowned Grandpa Jones of Hee Haw fame. “I didn't know it was bluegrass, only that the music was the most joyful driving blend I had ever heard.” Fast forward to adulthood to the notorious banjo lessons credited with bringing the group together and she was hooked. She says, “It was after many months of lessons that the spirit revealed my best contribution was to graciously lay down the banjo and lift up my voice. Through gospel music I have been given opportunities to witness and my ‘band mates’ have helped me find a joy in worship that has made my faith grow.”

 
Blair Wacha: Prior to 2003 Blair had no musical experience, but when his church offered banjo lessons he knew he wanted to try. Almost immediately he felt called to include bluegrass gospel music in worshiping the Lord. After attending many jams he discovered that they were usually made up of 4 banjos, 6 guitars and no fiddles, so he took fiddle lessons through the fall of 2004, and is slowly incorporating it into the group while he continues to have fun on the mandolin.

Ben Mason: Ben has been playing guitar since 1997 and has been playing Christian music since the beginning. He has studied a wide variety of music including; jazz, rock, bluegrass and blues. He feels that there is no greater purpose for music than to glorify the Lord. He plays either guitar or bass almost every week for Sunday services at Faith Community Lutheran Church.

Elizabeth Pugh-Ruiz: Elizabeth was born with a love for music, and has been composing music for piano since the age of 12. She is looking forward to a career serving God through her music.  She says, “I always knew the Lord wanted me to use my gift of music to spread His word, I just didn't know He meant NOW!”

Gary Erickson: Born and raised in Idaho, Gary started listening to bluegrass and playing a little guitar as a teenager. He attended several national Old-Time Fiddle festivals in Weiser, ID where he was inspired by some of the nations best ‘pickers & grinners’. Much later in life, he was inspired to service in the Lord’s name, and picked up the guitar again. He joined friends and co-worshipers Blair & Diane to form the group that eventually became “by His mark”. “Playing and singing praises to the Lord helps me feel closer to God, and if others can enjoy it too, it just doesn't get any better than that”.

Cody Stadelmaier: Joins us occasionally as our guest fiddler and wow, are we glad to have her. Blair met Cody in 2003 as his son, Michael's fiddle instructor. After Michael gave up the fiddle, in favor of the guitar, Blair took over his lesson spot in the summer of 2004.  Our group's friendship with Cody grows every time we're together.  She's a very accomplished fiddle player and been playing the fiddle contest circuit since she was just a lass. To check out her fiddle tune cd, click here. It includes standards like "Orange Blossom Special" and never recorded beauties like "French Creek Waltz".

Linda Pugh-Wacha: Joined us on Nov 11, 2005. She's seldom shy. She joins us at almost every practice and is already singing back-up vocals.

further information or booking, please contact us by email at  blair@byhismark.com  or telephone Blair at (970)532-4941.