This traditional Bluegrass band was formed several years ago by Toby Vanderbilt, and has evolved into the current lineup which features Toby (banjo), Jim Shroka (mandolin), Gary Hunt (Guitar), and Barbara Johnson (bass).
Toby Vanderbilt began his musical career in 1980 while living in the mountains of western North Carolina. His love for the music and people involved in bluegrass music followed him to Florida where he has served on the board of the North Florida Bluegrass Association as President from 2003 through 2005. Toby played banjo for Gold Coast Connection in Miami before coming to Jacksonville where he formed River City Connection - now called Deep Creek Bluegrass. Throughout his career he has met many professional musicians he idolizes but his favorite groups are the Bluegrass Cardinals, Hot Rize and the Johnson Mountain Boys.
Barbara Johnson - Coming Soon
Jim Shroka was raised in St. Petersburg, Florida where he started playing folk guitar at the age of 13. He joined a rock and roll band in high school and played until 1974 when he moved to Gainesville and began playing country rock and bluegrass. He fronted the band Road Apple at the Hatchett Creek Bluegrass Festival in 1978 then played guitar and mandolin for the Dancing Horse Band in the early 80s'. After a 15 year hiatus Jim came out of retirement to become the hard-driving mandolin player for Deep Creek.
Gary Hunt - Coming Soon |
These four musicians put their hearts and souls into their music and that dedication shows each time they perform. They are most comfortable with the hard-driving traditional Bluegrass tunes and the close harmonies of Bluegrass Gospel. Their main purpose is to please the audience, so check their schedule of upcoming performances and come out and see them. When you do, you'll see why they love this music and how easy it is to become involved with them.
