Whiskey River Fm

History

The Whiskey River band has been around Fargo - Moorhead for many decades but it was in 1993 that Paul Fossum & his brother Mark joined the band after filling in a few gigs with Whiskey River's drummer Ron Kinshella, who had some jobs to play even though the Whiskey River band was suppose to break up. Gary Johnson replaced Ron in 1994 & opened up a whole new genre of classic rock & 60's that Whiskey River added to their play list. In addition to being a very talented drummer Gary's singing style is very broad & has been an asset to the band. In 2005 Marty Weets joined the band after an extensive search over several months & near a dozen auditions to replace Mark. Marty brought the band rock solid rhythm, timing & perfection lifted the band to a new level. Tim Johnson replaced Marty in 2006 & along with his excellent bass playing he's a joker & adds some real charisma to the show.

Biography's

Tim

Tim currently teaches elementary and junior high band and junior high general music for the DGF Public School District. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Dakota (1990) and a Master of Arts in Trombone Performance from Minnesota State University Moorhead (1998).
Tim lives in Moorhead, MN with his wife, Amy, and two children, Elizabeth 9, and Zachary 6. Tim and Amy are both band directors and freelance trombone players in the Fargo-Moorhead area. A self-taught bassist, he has enjoyed playing in variety, blues and jazz bands in the F-M area.
Tim plays euphonium with the "North Dakota American Legion State Band";
Interestingly,the "North Dakota American Legion State Band" is one of two bands of its kind in the United States - http://governor.nd.gov/media/news-releases/2004/05/040510b.html for more info.

Before moving to the Fargo-Moorhead area, Tim played trombone with the "Greater Grand Forks Symphony" (10 years) and the "Dick King Classic Swing Band" (12 years). Tim has been a substitute trombone player for: "F-M Jazz Arts Group", "F-M Symphony", and "Mike and the Monsters", to name a few.
Bass guitar became part of Tim's life in 1993
when he was reunited with his high school classmate, Garth Anderson. Tim, Garth, and Randy Jawaski formed the eclectic rock -"Cory Max Band". Other bands that Tim has played bass with include: "Borderline" (Leonard Wahl, Jr.), "Jelly Rollz" (Matt Hunke) and "The B. D. Bailey Blues Band".

Paul

At the rowdy age of 20 (1982) Paul took his 1st lessons & has been hooked on the electric guitar ever since. Playing for tips in a coffee can at the Kragnes Bar with Mark & "The River Bandits". Then several years (1985-1988) were spent with the "Good O'l Boys" from Park River ND with his wife Sherri filling in on bass guitar, then back to Fargo were Paul & brother Mark took over the lead parts in 1993 for Whiskey River.
Paul also is active in his church & provides guitar & singing leadership as his role as Sunday School Superintendent (musical leader). Paul's most memorable gig ? "Halloween one year at Speck's bar or the Lone Steer in Steele ND."

Gary

or "Badger" as he is nicknamed, plays the drums, sings and monitors the sound system. He has played professionally since 1970, with bands including Nyala, Change for a Dollar, Triple Play and Let 'er Buck. .

Equipment

Whiskey River uses a medium sized PA system. This includes speaker stacks with 18s, horns, 15s, and piezo speakers. Power is provided by 1,000 Watts. Compressor - Limiters are used for vocals, Bass and Bass Drum, for a clear, controlled sound. Bass and Lead guitars are wireless, so they can interact with the audience and also check actual sound levels in the room. A full, rich sound is achieved with high quality electronic enhancements.

Gary plays a classic
Ludwig VistaLite set, which often draws many compliments from the crowd

Paul's Gear
2002 Gibson Les Paul special, faded cherry, hand painted
with 490R & 490T Humbucker pickups
1982 Gibson Firebrand "The Paul" Deluxe, Mahogany
1992 Fender Statocaster (USA) Silver body
1970's Peavey Series 260 C Mark 111 Series,
400 watt Amp with 15" Black Widow
Boss gt-8 guitar effects processor
Ghs Boomer stings 10's
Jim Dunlop .60mm

Tim's Gear
1977 Ash wood (natural finish) Fender - Precision Bass
Pevey TKO115 Bass Amp
Polytone Mini-Brute II

Whiskey River specializes in performing music that fits the audience,
so all can enjoy listening or dancing. Appropriate volume control is also appreciated by audiences.

For bookings call Paul 218-233-5647 or e-mail WhiskeyRiverFM@hotmail.com