Curtis

Old time banjo player Curtis Alsobrook joins us after a most enlightening "big time tour" that included musty sleeping quarters in an early 70s Ford van. He teaches clawhammer banjo here at Pioneer, and plays around town with fellow employee Josh Cole. Weekends most often find him hitting the camp-ground circuit, emptying out most with the first lift of that banjo case's lid.

Dan

Bass man, flautist, vintage bike enthusiast, outdoorsman, rock hound, pipe organ restorer, Volvo fan, canoe guy, flea market junk collector, and all around nice guy. Ladies and gentlemen please make welcome . . . Dan Wolken!

Jim

Born in Portland, Oregon, Jim had an early interest in fine art, woodworking and boat building. After college, he spent a number of years working in the graphic arts trade. He played violin through his grade school and high school years, and began working on making instruments as early as the late 1950's when he was first introduced to the guitar, mandolin and banjo. During the mid-70's, Jim began making a living repairing and building instruments. He has maintained a shop in Pioneer Music since 1978.

Josh

Josh Cole brings enthusiasm and a well-rounded musical background to Pioneer. He picks guitar, mandolin, and string bass in a variety of Portland Bluegrass bands, and is musical trail boss of The Josh Cole Band. His Mom is still miffed that he sold his '79 Les Paul, but the staff at Pioneer is relieved.

K C

The old timer said: "No salmon in the bay anymore." Alone in a canoe with my trusty steelhead rod at sunset in the San Juans. And no net. An hour later, darkness descending, a skilled two-handed flip onto the bank, and dinner was mine. KC sometimes fishes in his spare time, when he's not being a full-time home remodeler or playing Telecaster in "The Buckles."

Mark

Fingerstyle wizard Mark Hanson has been an instructor at Pioneer Music since 1993. Mark has authored nearly 30 books and videos on acoustic guitar, as well as regularly contributing to magazines such as Acoustic Guitar and Fingerstyle Guitar. Unlike the knuckle-busting tyrants of our youth, Mark's students often leave their lessons with a smile on their faces - testimony to his patience and understanding. We feel privileged to have Mark teaching in the store, and genuinely enjoy the experience of knowing his students.

Pamela

After completing her Masters in classical guitar performance, Pamela now teaches and performs full time. She brings many years of experience to us, her positive attitude and professionalism much appreciated by staff and students.

Brad

Brad's photo now portrays his new full-time reality. After many wonderful years with us at Pioneer, the draw of the beaches of Malibu and a wonderful family business opportunity proved too much to resist. His unique spirtuality and upbeat outlook on life will certainly be missed around here, but still, we're all rooting for a predicted climate change bringing unending torrential rains and freezing temps to southern California.