The Richmond Ramblers Band is a group of musicians hailing from the village of Richmond, Ontario on the fringe of Ottawa. In 2009, a poster at the local grocery store entitled, “Looking for Bluegrass Pickers”, resulted in the birth of the band (jamming in Dale’s kitchen twice a week). Over time, the jams relocated to the late Glen Trebble’s basement studio (also in Richmond) and gradually the roster continued to grow to currently 6. We are sad to say that Glen Trebble passed away in 2015, and Randall Armstrong passed away in 2016. We miss them both. Elly Wedge, fiddler, left the band in June 2017, Kristin Grzegorek, bassist, left in 2018 and most recently Jamie Asselin joined as female lead vocalist, Mike Delorme on bass, Brent Swaine on drums, and Jeff Climo on pedal steel. As a hometown band, the group continues to enjoy entertaining at area retirement homes, fundraisers, private functions, country fairs and festival, open mic sessions etc. throughout the year.
The Richmond Ramblers initially played bluegrass music but now plays Country and Classic Rock. The band instrumentation includes banjo, mandolin, guitar, mouth harp, bass, drums, pedal steel, lead male and female vocals, plus harmonies. When not performing, the band gets to together regularly for the enjoyment of jamming and learning new tunes together. Musical influences include Kenny Baker, Bill Munroe, The Carter Family, Old Crow Medicine Show, Valdy, Hank Snow, Merle Haggard, Porter Wagoner, Bob Wills, Osborne Bros, Tom T. Hall, and Clarence White amongst others. Kevin Richard, our lead singer, is also a talented song writer and the band has had the pleasure of performing several originals. The band repertoire has changed over the years and is now Country and Classic Rock.
In October 2013, the Richmond Ramblers were honored to be invited to perform as the opening act at the newly renovated Gallipeau Centre Theatre, Smith Falls, ON. The event was a huge success and opened the door to numerous follow-on opportunities.
Current Band members:
Dale Cole (Banjo, Mandolin and Vocals)
Mike Asselin (Lead Guitar and Mouth Harp)
Brent Swaine (Drums, Vocals)
Kevin Richard (Guitar, Lead Vocals)
Mike Delorme (Bass, Vocals)
Jamie Asselin (Vocalist, Tambourine)
Jeff Climo (Pedal Steel, Guitar)