Mark Bruner, Shelby Eicher, Rick Morton

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Whether you've heard them as Bruner and Eicher, as part of Rockin' Acoustic Circus, as stand-alone musicians, or as integral ingredients in the recordings of Roy Clark, the Tractors, and other well-known acts Mark Bruner, Shelby Eicher, and Rick Morton have the chops, the material, and the showmanship you're sure to enjoy. This year the performers, who between them boast over 75 years of musical experience, are coming to Guthrie as a trio to share their unique blend of western swing, blues, pop, jazz, and - of course bluegrass. "We're going to be playing a big mix at the festival," says Eicher. "We'll have Mark on guitar, me on mandolin, and Rick on fiddle. Of course we'll mix up the instruments a bit, too, with me playing fiddle sometimes, or Rick on mandolin." Eicher himself boasts prowess on fiddle, mandolin, mandola, viola, octave violin, guitar, and mando-cello, while Bruner is proficient on resonator, and orchestra model, dreadnought and archtop guitar. Morton adds to the trio's sound with fiddle, mandolin, and occasional guitar licks. Morton is perhaps best known these days as the leader of Rockin' Acoustic Circus. He started playing fiddle at the age.of 10 and hasn't stopped since. His musical pedigree includes work as a studio musician and college fiddle instructor, as well as solo gigs, and gigs with the late Ron Wiggins, the Mary Cogan Band, The Kings of Western Swing, and others. Eicher has seen some musical miles over the years as well. As a member of the Roy Clark band, he performed numerous times on the Tonight Show, Hee Haw, and other television shows. He contributes regularly to advertising and soundtracks - including Spongebob Squarepants - and has performed on the recordings of J.J. Cale, the Tractors, Hank Thompson, and others. Bands besides the duo and trio with Bruner and Morton include The Kings of Western Swing, Riders of the Cimarron, and Cowbop. Not surprisingly, Bruner also brings some serious musical talent to the group. As a contributing studio musician to various albums, jingles, and movie soundtracks, he is known for his ability to capture many different music styles and moods. Like Morton and Eicher, he boasts membership in the likes of The Kings of Western Swing, Riders of the Cimarron, Cafe Jazz, and other bands. He is currently splitting his time between his duo with Eicher and a duo with Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame member and well-known Tulsa guitar player, Tommy Crook.

All photos © 2009 by Don Shorock