The Olde Tyme Gospel Band
How the OTGB was started ~
In 2005, Rev. Sue Woods was visiting Vern Hammond at his home after he had returned from some time in hospital. They picked up two of Vern's guitars and played some music together. This got them thinking ... let's start a gospel band at BUC! And the rest, as they say, is history!
Current Members ~
Ron Austin, Beth Black, Jim Hammond, Bob Joynt, Bob Kobe, George Reid, Jim Webb
Past Members ~
Vern Hammond, John Holtby, Thomas Knight, Nancy Knox, Joan Lee, Kent Phillips, Sue Woods
Since the band started over a dozen years ago, they have collected over 200 songs in their repertoire. Practice is held faithfully every Tuesday evening at the church. The Band plays in church every couple of months and once every month at The Pines. The Band is always in demand, and they play at numerous churches around Muskoka. In the past, they have received invitations from churches in Barrie and Mississauga, and have travelled to play in those locations.
All of the instruments and personal band equipment were purchased at the players' own expense. The band's sound equipment was purchased with money raised from CD sales and from performance donations. Other than the sound equipment purchases, all funds received from performances and CD sales is donated directly to BUC.
Two CDs have been produced by the Band and they have sold hundreds of copies of each CD. Some CDs have travelled to homes as far away as the USA and Germany. CDs are $10 each, and all proceeds go to Bracebridge United Church.
It has been a busy 16+ years for the band members - but as they say, "We have fun doing it and we trust that we will have many more years raising money for BUC, with particular interest in giving to the youth of the church - the future of church existence."
