Doug Spears

I'm blessed to frequently have the privilege of performing as a trio with Ron & Bari Litschauer.  These guys are special, the dearest of friends.  Not only are they great musicians, but truly wonderful human beings.  An exceptional guitarist and mandolin player, Ron has been a key part of various bands over several decades playing everything from bluegrass to folk to country and classic rock.  His versatility, quick ear and innate ability to add just the right touch in support of the song earned him opportunities many years ago to move to Nashville and break in as a studio session player.  They say you can’t take the Florida out of the boy and, in Ron’s case, you can’t take the boy out of Florida either.  He opted to stay at home in Palm Beach County where he was born and we’re all the better for it.  The great folk legend, Tom Paxton, chose Ron as his sideman for two significant shows here in Florida that also featured Odetta, Janis Ian and Michael Jonathan.  He and Bari were similarly tapped by The Lubben Brothers for numerous Florida shows and by so many of the best Florida artists. 

Bari, is the owner and operator of The Amp Shop and Music Parlor in West Palm Beach, which has long been the working musician’s “go to” source for gear, gear repairs, sales, etc. in South Florida.  Bari has a tasteful and distinctive style on the banjo and tenor guitar and approaches these instruments with a unique and deceptive intricacy.  She is one seriously big punch in a very small package. 

Ron and Bari have been on a musical adventure together for more than forty years and what an adventure it has been.  Either as a duo, fronting their own popular Roadside Revue festival band, or as backing musicians for Frank Thomas, Clyde Walker, Amy Carol Webb and countless others (including me!), they’ve been mainstays for decades at all the major, established acoustic music festivals and venues throughout Florida and beyond.  Performing as a duo, their show will have you tapping your toes, smiling, laughing and, occasionally, shedding a tear.  They cover a very selective playlist of the best of the folk and Americana genres and mix in their own finely crafted original tunes.  Ron promises that you’ll leave their shows happier, smarter and, possibly, a little better looking!  

I have the privilege to perform with Ron & Bari frequently throughout the winter months in Florida as a trio and we always have a lot of fun!