Since 1996, the "Past Times Bluegrass Band" has been playing traditional bluegrass, gospel and country music in the Tri-state area. Entertaining both young and old, the talented band members have never failed in convincing their many varied audiences that they are part of the show. In addition to captivating crowds at such places as festivals, concerts, churches, etc., the band can also be seen regularly pleasing their fans at popular music venues such as the Albert Music Hall in Waretown, NJ, the Bluegrass and Old Time Music shows in Little Silver, NJ and the Appalachian Fiddle and Bluegrass Association shows in Hellertown, PA. Even though the band plays their own renditions of popular bluegrass songs, the members are always aiming for new plateaus by writing and performing their own original tunes. There are always good times for the Past Times Bluegrass Band and their audiences. Randy Bailey      With Randy Bailey keeping time playing upright bass it couldn't get any better. Born the son of a West Virginia coal miner and moving to New Jersey in 1962, at the age of 17 Randy joined the jam sessions at Joe Albert's Homeplace, the inspiration for the well known venue "Albert Music Hall' playing guitar and later mastering the upright bass. A soft spoken, southern gentlemen, Randy also contributes lead and harmony vocals to the band and has hosted the Sunday morning bluegrass radio show, Bluegrass Jam (WBJB90.5FM) at Brookdale Community College for 25 years. He is an advocate and historian of Traditional Bluegrass music and has been Master of Ceremonies for the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival, The Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association concerts along with many other festivals and shows as well as studio bass musician for many artists. Randy has played bass with some ot the great names in bluegrass music including the Late Bob Paisley, James King, Ronnie Stoneman and the late Rose Maddox and Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys. Barbara Muccie      Exposed to southern gospel and bluegrass music at a young age by her Mother who was born in West Virginia, Barbara's roots for this style of music run deep. With a background singing in church as well as singing close harmony with her brother George as a duet, this became the beginnings of the ever popular Past Times Bluegrass Band. His unfortunate and unforeseen move from New Jersey eventually opened the door for Barbara to change and expand the group. Her harmony vocals are an asset to any lead vocalist as well as her own lead vocals and songwriting skills in which she has penned several inspirational songs performed by the group. Barbara also takes on many of the groups managerial tasks. Although she enjoys performing all kinds of bluegrass and country music, bluegrass gospel is still the style and captures her heart. Ed Krizni      Multi talented lead and harmony singer, rhythm guitar, songwriter and producer makes Ed the most multi faceted member of the band. Smooth tenor lead vocals and sometimes baritone harmony vocals with his diverse musical incluences from folk, traditional country to contermporary acoustic and country-rock with a passion for bluegrass music lend to his unique style and delivery of a song. With Ed's ability to paint a picture through words, you can rest assure that when he puts pen to paper writing gospel and secular songs you are in for a truly wonderful experience. "God Willin" title track to the bands first CD, written and produced by Ed, is still only one of the crowd's favorites and proof positive by their loyal following and fan base. One of his latest endeavors, a tribute song written to honor our servicemen "It Waves For Me" could hold its own with some of the best Patriotic songs. He is a former member of the Board of Trustees of the NJ Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association and performed and recorded with several other bands. Ron Trotta      Is proof positive that if you love bluegrass music and it's in your soul it doesn't matter where you were born. He stems from Brooklyn, New York where he became interested in Bluegrass Music after listening to the "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" album. He started taking banjo lessons at the age of 15 and dedicated many long hours to hone his effortless banjo skills. With influences such as Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt, Ron's ability to capture their traditional bluegrass style of playing is outstanding. He could truly hold his own with any of those "good ole boys". While in New York, Ron performed with the Tri-County Ramblers from 1979-1990 and upon moving to Bayville, New Jersey, Ron eventually joined the Past Times Bluegrass Band. His hard driving banjo pickin', and comedic nature definitely keeps everyone in the band on their toes. Don Sojka      Multi gifted and talented Donny is the most diverse musician of the band. With the exception of the fiddle, at any given time and at a moments notice if need be Donny can pick up any bluegrass instrument and play with precision, however, his instrument of choice with Past Times is the Dobro or as others call it the resonator guitar. This instrument, which is not easily mastered, Donny excels at with his almost effortless and smooth-sweet style, delivering a performance that is not easily forgotten. He started playing bluegrass music in the 1960's and his well valued instrumentation skills are duly respected in the bluegrass community. Donny is an avid vintage instrument collector and is a noted source of authentication of valuable collectable instruments. Hs is also well versed in bluegrass history. Donny also lends his skilled baritone and tenor vocals when needed and has performed and recorded with several bluegrass bands.