The Wild Heard is an informal bunch of musicians who play country, bluegrass, blues, gospel, and original music. Several of the players are Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Honorees and all play for the fun and love of music.
The Heard has played at benefits and festivals such as the Clermont Benefit in Clermont, GA, the Harbins' Community Center Benefit in Dacula, GA, the Suches Indian Summer Festival in Suches, GA, the Elisha Winn Festival in Dacula, GA, and the City Lights Festival in Commerce, GA.
Players get together most Tuesday nights at SIFCO Systems in Dacula, GA and like an audience who appreciates an informal atmosphere. There is no cover charge, no alcohol, no smoking, no pets, and no complaints. Snuff, chaw, and kids are allowed.
The band changes from time to time and welcomes anyone who can contribute to the repertoire. Instruments include guitar, dobro, banjo. mandolin, and bass. Contact Tom Gaston at tomg@sifcoinc.com or Bill Long at longbi1@yahoo.com for information, booking, or directions.
The Wild Heard started as an informal gathering of local talent. The core players have been together for a few years jamming and having fun. We welcome new players who can contribute to the repertoire and range.
We play most Tuesday nights in Dacula, GA and at local festivals and benefits.
Bluegrass, country, gospel, blues, 50s rock, big band, folk, Americana.
Martin, Gibson, Epiphone, Tacoma, Fender, Shure, Berringer, Taylor, Rogue, Dobro, Morgan Monroe, Kustom, Berringer, Peavy
Players may include:
Tom Gaston: Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Honoree. Started playing and writing music at the age of 15. Tom has been a top 10 winner in the Billboard Songwriting Contest 4 times. Tom has had 7 publishing contracts but no hits yet! Has performed at the Georgia Country Music Association Awards Ceremony. Check his original songs at http://www.soundclick.com/pro/default.cfm?BandID=136822. Guitar, mandolin, banjo, vocals.
Thad Payne: Started playing about age 15 . Plays for fun. Country and some original. Guitar, vocals.
Wendell Greason: Learned guitar from his mother and his Dad, who played for family entertainment. Start playing rock & roll in the 50s with the Rhythm Tones and then Smitty Smith & The Nightbeats. Played on the Lawrenceville radio station WLAW. Sings with his sister at church and has contributed many original songs to The Wild Heard.
Amelia Conley: Piano lessons at 13, also guitar and mandolin. Played and sang gospel throughout north Georgia with Wright Family and then The Joyful Noise. Can be heard on WCON on Sunday morning gospel.
Bill Long: 60s R&R in high school & college, home alone for about 30 years and glad to have an opportunity to get together with some top notch players who can complete a whole song. Bass, guitar, mandolin.
Other players: A few we don't know who drop in from time to time. Come & join the fun!