Rum River Blend, based in Troy, Ohio bill themselves as 'Unprofessional Entertainment'!Ê The band takes its name from the Rum River that flows through Linda's hometown of Milaca, Minnesota. They perform a blend of traditional bluegrass, folk, Gospel and children's songs. The audience is encouraged to join in on the fun as spoons, washboards, and various other noise making instruments are often passed out to the crowd.

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Musicians

Linda Tatarian, the 'leader of the band' plays 5-string banjo and sings like a good Minnesotan should.ÊÊ Chris TatarianÊplays rhythm guitar and sings back-up vocals in a California style that only he knows.Ê Chris and Linda are theÊ"roots" of Rum River Blend and have played together since 1992.ÊÊAfter moving to Ohio in 2000, they have played with a variety of talented musicians.Ê

The bass beat for the band is provided by Mr. 'Smiling' ÊBill Benning, playing acoustic/electric bass guitar.Ê Bill playsÊwith aÊflair developedÊover timeÊ playing a wide variety of musical types with many different bands.ÊÊ

Mr. Carl PhillisÊjoins us onÊfiddle.Ê Carl hasÊyears of professional musicalÊexperience, having played with most bands and orchestrasÊin the area at one time or another.Ê HeÊis the 1948 Ohio StateÊFiddle Champion, and is a professor of Bluegrass Fiddle Music at Sinclair College in Dayton.Ê His fiddle playing brings a new level of energy and a host of new songs to the band.Ê ÊPut 'em all together and the result is music that makes you want to tap your foot and sing along!