Jack Grady O'Neil vocals, acoustic 6-string guitar
Jack grew up in San Mateo, California and began as a drummer; his grandmother’s gift of a 1963 Ludwig kit got him going. Jack drummed in rock bands until he switched to guitar and folk music in high school. Songwriting now holds an important spot in his credentials. Jack and Bryan Daley recorded his first CD,
Ancestral Water, which inspired the formation of the band. His 2nd CD, The Graying of the Temples, is a band endeavor released in 2014. Finally, the newest lineup has released their EP, Proceed to the Horizon in 2024.
Barbara was introduced to violin by her mother, who played professionally. Barbara played sporadically as a youngster, including some time with the Santa Cruz Youth Symphony. Her passion though was piano and African drums. A long time ensued before she picked up her violin again to play with her ailing mother, and she got hooked to the fun and beauty of the instrument. She now studies with Chad Manning.
bass and vocals George Astin
Gerald Turetzky comes from a long line of musicians and started drumming at age 5. He studied Music at San Diego State University and started touring and recording with Trowsers and Borracho y Loco opening up for Ziggy Marley, Third World and Steel Pulse to name a few. Gerald loves all kinds of music and Gerald likes to play fast...
Wayne Ditzel first picked up the guitar as a young teen. He played bass as a member of the Readymades, an early New Wave band in SF. Wayne played fingerstyle electric guitar on Bill Magill’s 1995 debut, Eskimo in the Sun. When his kids entered elementary school, Wayne picked up the Fender Stratocaster again. He knocked around with neighborhood musicians for about 15 years before joining Ancestral Water in 2021. His musical influences include Albert King, Buddy Guy, Tom Petty, the Clash and Mark Knopfler. After a year of Zoom meetups, he loves playing music in a live setting, whether with Ancestral Water or in a jam with players of all skill levels.
fiddle and vocals Barbara Miercke
George comes to the group having spent 27 years banging his head against the wall touring and recording in bands ranging from hard rock/heavy metal to reggae. His 3000+ album collection and career in pro audio is testament to his love for all genres of music. He is an avid Northern California history buff and loves the Lost Sierra, spending much time exploring and mountain biking in the region. His deep interest in the 1800's leads to an affinity for playing music that reflects on that incredible era.
.electric guitar & vocals Wayne Ditzel
drums and vocals Gerald Turetzky
mandolin Jonathan Korn
Jonathan is our newest member and he comes to us with a background in Electric Guitar and Mandolin. He plays in his own band, the Reverbivores, an excellent instrumental Surfrock Band from the Bay Area.
