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Verne McClelland - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Verne's musical history dates back 25 years ago when he played his guitar and sang Folk and Country tunes with dear friends: Bob Batyko (guitar & vocals ), David Chapin (dulcimer & Autoharp), Tom Murphy (guitar & vocals) and Nel Arnold (vocals). Verne states "Nel was one of the most gifted vocalists I have ever had the pleasure to play with".
About that same time period, Verne joined his first band, Patchwork Blue (1978-1980), which included Fred Grupe (Bass), Tom Murphy, (Guitar, Vocals), Kevin Weinbrecht (Guitar/ Harmonica, Vocals), Dan Brady (Keyboards, Vocals), and the late Bill Perry (Drums, Vocals). Verne's next venture was a duo with good friend, Don Loy (Guitar, Banjo, Vocals) and they were billed as The McDonald Brothers (1980 – 1981)
. They played many weekends at what used to be Major McKinney's in historical downtown Willoughby. Following that, Rumor Hazit (1982 – 1984) was formed. This country-rock group included Don Loy (Guitar, Banjo, Vocals), Anita McClelland (Keyboards, Vocals), Ken Davis (Guitar, Vocals), Chas Bowdler (Bass, Vocals), and Kevin Morgan (Drums, Vocals).
Verne's musical influences are still quite prevalent in his preferences for both performing and song writing. These influences include Dan Fogelberg, the Eagles, Simon & Garfunkle, James Taylor, Joni Mitchel, John Hartford and others. Verne confesses, "I love to sing and play songs that move me, and usually those are songs about
love and loss. I believe that playing and singing in an intimate environment, where you can evoke an emotional response from those listening, is the most rewarding part of playing music. To connect lyrically and musically with the listener is probably what drives me most to sing and play. He continues, "Abbey Rodeo is, without a doubt, the best band I've ever been a part of because I
work with people who share the same musical interests as well as a sense of brotherhood (and sisterhood since we have Debbie). This band plays songs that people react to. The music we play marks history and memories for a lot of people. It's very rewarding to see the expressions on their faces and hear the comments after the gig about our material." Verne is proud of his work with Abbey Rodeo and considers the members of the band his
friends and family. He appreciates the support and encouragement the crowds supply time and time again. Verne anticipates the future of Abbey Rodeo as they continue to bring a different kind of music to the live scene in Northeast Ohio.