All About Ron
Ron Grapes started playing the five string banjo at fifteen in a small northern Missouri town. In 1978 he took first place in the ACE National Convention in the string plecktrum catagory. While in college, Ron played with several bands in the Chicago area. It wasn't until the spring of 1994 after forming the bluegrass band "Crooked Creek" along with David Dolton that he participated in his first studio recorded album. Later that same year, "Crooked Creek" won the Illinois State Traditional Country Music 1st place award for "Bluegrass Bands". and Ron was named ITCMA 1st place champion on the five string banjo. Ron is self taught and teaches others a somewhat traditional Scruggs three-finger style banjo. He has taught many of his ten children the upright bass, mandolin, banjo, and guitar, while some have taken up the piano. We enjoyed playing local churches, senior citizens, and local festivals with our family band "Val-Lee Grass".
