Walnut River String Band

Dennis Young

Our highly esteemed bass player, Dennis Young, has his hands full trying to keep this band together. Woe to the person who skips a beat, adds a beat, or otherwise muddles up a song. Minor infractions merit a wicked glance from the keeper of time. Those who commit more serious boo-boos quickly find out what a standup bass sounds like up close and personal as Dennis will seek out the offending party and stand directly in front of him/her playing very loudly -- thump, thump, thump..until order is restored. We're not sure why Dennis submits himself to the agony and turmoil of playing in this band; it is either because of his undying love and gratitude for his lovely wife, or because we are such a fun bunch of people to be around.

Besides being the best bass player in the band, Dennis is just a really handy person to have around. Some people think I'm biased because I live with him, but I'm telling you there is nothing this man can't do. He has built trailers and cars from the ground up. He designed and built our house, shop, barn and outbuildings. He is a good electrician and a fair plumber. He can ride a horse and shoot a gun, and he can play the bass and chew gum at the same time.

Dennis' second most favorite thing in life are guns. He is fascinated with shooting, reloading, and gunsmithing. He will discuss at length the pros and cons of any given caliber and what it is best suited for. His main goal in life is to own, or at least have the opportunity to shoot one gun in every model and caliber. He enjoys hunting; ask him about the elk he harvested in Colorado last fall, or better yet, ask me. I tell a much more embellished version of the story than he does.

Next time you see Dennis, stop and say hi. He would love to visit with you.