Joe Roberts & Real Country

                                                                                     (The flag isn't ours )

REAL COUNTRY-

    Joe Roberts started his project in April of 2006 when he found that he could go listen to any country band almost anywhere and hear pretty much the same songs by all the bands.  Some arrangements might be a little different but the song lists were alike.  He filled in with an Oldies band and about six months later their singer, Cheryl, called and asked if he knew of a country band that could use a singer.  Joe had been contemplating starting another band and mentioned it to Cheryl, who said she'd love to give it a try.  He called his son-in-law, Ron,  to play bass, put ads out for other members and soon had the makings of Real Country.  Finding commited players is difficult but soon they had two female singers, a female lead guitarist a female drummer and a steel guitarist.  All were of the same mind, promote country music that is traditional, yet timeless.

JOE ROBERTS

    Joe has been picking country ever since 1966 when in the Air Force on Okinawa he tried to find a rock band to join to keep playing music.  Not a rock band was to be found. He did find a country band that didn't have a bassist.  He convinced the band leader  to let him play, even though Joe never played bass before.  He's never looked back which is country music's gain and rock's loss.  He's been fortunate over the years to have been in bands that have opened for or backed nationally known artists.  The list is a who's who of country music.  Later Joe started learning backup harmonies and advanced to doing lead vocals.  His smooth baritone lends itself to ballads and can be gritty when needed for up-tempo songs.

Amy Fretz

    Amy  is new to singing with a band but has been singing ever since she can remember.  Although she sings karaoke she is new to being with a live band.  She's very comfortable on stage. (She should be, she teaches 2nd grade) Her harmonies add a very nice touch to Joe's songs. They blend together smoothly.

Ron Owens

    Ron is a transplanted "good ole boy" from Virginia and also Joe's son-in-law.  His background is similar to Joe's, Rock and Roll.  He's picked up country as natural as if he's played it all his life.  His bass fills in and rounds out the bottom of the rhythm section.

Dana Gaynor

    Dana is the third female of the group and is the lead guitarist.  She plays blues and country as well or better than most of her male peers.  She's a constant nominee for the Buddy Guy  Award in the Lehigh Valley Music Association.  She adds a lot of showmanship to her playing and has great stage presence.

niwana hoffman

    Niwana, like Dana, is a rare breed.  She's drummer/percuaionist in a male dominated world.  She is one of the finest drummers you'll hear anywhere.  She's also the fourth redhead in the group.  When the chance prsents its-self she can also belt out a song that'll have you wondering where it came from.  She stands all of about 5 foot nothing.

Gordy Rex

    Gordy has to be the most talented steel guitarist I've ever seen or heard.  When he plays sometimes the band gets so amazed by his picking they forget what they're supposed to do!  When he plays his feet and hands literally dance on the guitar.  

    Unfortunately, as this is being written, Gordy has to bow out of the group to attend to his job as East Coast Manager of Parts Distribution for a major store chain.  Gordy, you have a spot in the band when you want it.  Lots of Luck.