About Walt Crider and The Old Time Way

         We are a 5 piece band playing bluegrass, old time country and gospel music just as the name implies. We play all acoustic instruments, with or without a sound system. Our goal is to provide the best show possible for whatever the occasion.  We play for bluegrass festivals and shows, carnivals, campgrounds, street fairs, church services and outings and private parties. We have been established for 12 years playing in south central Pennsylvania and Maryland. Be assured we can satisfy your requirements for top notch entertainment.

         Walt Crider (Shippensburg, Pa) leads the band playing rhythm guitar, singing lead, tenor and baritone. Walt was raised in a musically oriented family, learning to play instruments and singing from his father, aunts, uncles and cousins. He has played in various bands in Pennsylvania over the years. He has made several recordings; "Family Favorites" (out of print) and "Walt Sings Mac", a tribute to Mac Wiseman. He can often be found at a bluegrass festival leading a formal jam session set up by the festival promoter. He is currently (2009) president of the Seven Mountains Bluegrass Association.

        Deb Kauffmann (Glen Rock, Pa) sings lead and tenor as well as keeping time as the bass player in the group. She has had the honor of performing (tenor/rhythm guitar)with Rounder recording artists Ginny Hawker and Tracy Schwarz at IBMA and other bluegrass festivals. Deb has been a member of the local all-female string band, Ladies in the Parlor. She also currently performs with mandolinist Henry Koretzky in the old-time duo Rootbound. Deb and Henry released the CD “Rootbound” in 2004.

         Greg Rohrer, Harrisburg, Pa. Greg started his musical journey when he won free mandolin lessons while he was in high school. He has been studying the mandolin since then and has played in two bands called the Grace Notes and the Bluegrass Gospel Concepts. His mandolin style is influenced by Bill Monroe, Doyle Lawson, David Grisman and Ronnie McCoury, among others. Greg is also a member of the Harrisburg Mandolin Ensemble.

         Ron Plummer, Airville, Pa. Ron began playing the fiddle as a hobby after one was given to him by his sister in law, a classical violinist. Ron then met James Price of Dr. Ralph Stanley's Clinch Mt. Boys who said, "Always stick to the melody." Two of his favorite fiddle players are the late Curly Ray Cline and the late Scotty Stoneman.

         Steve Shelhamer, from Berwick, Pa, has been playing banjo since the early 1970s. His main influences are Lester and Earl. He's been with many local and regional bands over the years and goes to a lot of Bluegrass festivals. Steve loves the old Gibson sound in banjos, and usually plays one of his pre-war banjos. He plays a traditional style with a drive to his sound. Steve enjoys meeting friends, old and new, and talking instruments and music. It's rumored he can found at a good restaurant around dinner time.

Entire site Copyright c 2009 Walt Crider and The Old Time Way