John washed ashore up the Brisbane river in 2002 after a 3 year sail across the Pacific from Seattle. He meant to dry out in some of Brisbane's live music establishments (logical mistake: they serve herbal tea at US folk clubs). He met various nefarious members of the local music scene, was dazzled by a red spangled accordion, and has been unable to get clearance to sail on since. He became active in the Mad Ass Acoustic Music Club and joined the Pirate Brides in 2003 (they had too many brides and nary a sailor).

He sings and plays clawhammer banjo, mandolin and guitar in the band. He cut his teeth on banjo and mandolin in the 70s playing with a fiddler at fiddle contests and at local bluegrass festivals in Missouri and Kansas. He joined a local band for some gigs when he was supposed to be studying for his masters in Journalism. Years of newspaper work and general business followed, including rebuilding a couple of old leaky boats in which to sail further and further afield. During this time, his playing took an aft locker. But when life was finally "becalmed" at sea he had time to renew his passion for playing music and has been active in the Brisbane music scene since arrival, especially with the Pirate Brides during the past four years. Particularly rewarding have been the two recording projects he has done with the Brides and the many national music festivals he has travelled to and performed at with them over the past few years.

Read John's profile fromt the Folk Rag.