Don’t Miss any of our Future Events!
March 21:
Spring Vibes at Ellwood’s
Shake off the winter chill and welcome the coming spring with us. Join us for a full evening of high-energy Americana and good company in Elkhart.
March 21 7-9:30 pm
March 26: Afternoon Set at Greencroft Evergreen
Brighten up your afternoon with some live music! We’re playing a special matinee set in Goshen, so come by and let the acoustic tunes recharge your day.
March 26th 1:30-2:30 pm
April 22: Brews & Bluegrass at the Goshen Brewing Co.
There’s nothing better than local craft beer paired with live string music. Come hang out at the brewery for a great night of community and “Good Music, Good Times.”
April 22nd 7-9 pm
May 31: Sunday Funday at Fruit Hills Winery
Wrap up your May with a relaxing afternoon at the winery. Sip on your favorite local wine while we provide the bluegrass backdrop for a perfect Bristol afternoon.
May 31st 2-5 pm
A New Kind of Old-Fashioned: Roots, Rhythm, and Raw Harmony
For The Dawg Band, the secret is in the blend: “We work hard on our harmonies… it’s important to us” — and it sparks! With Gundy and Shenk interlocking lead vocals and middle harmonies against Horst’s driving upright bass and high-tenor accents, the sound is both intricate and effortless. From the timeless rock of the Grateful Dead to a twangy, folksy reimagining of The Beatles, The Dawg brings a signature Americana soul to every song it plays. Whether it’s a foot-stomping rhythm or a soulful ballad, every note is built on a foundation of acoustic strings and the trio’s practiced vocal delivery.
Acoustic soul. Folk Heart.
Get ready to meet the talented trio behind the high-energy, soulful sounds of The Dawg! This Goshen-based powerhouse brings fresh, Americana life to everything from bluegrass to the Great American Songbook.
Duane Gundy
Lead Vocal/Guitar
Jim Shenk
Pedal Steel Guitar/Mid Harmonies
Randy Horst
Upright Bass/High Vocals
Get a closer look at the guys making it happen:
Duane Gundy
Duane is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist who keeps the energy flowing on both the mandolin and guitar with the Dawg’s brand of acoustic Americana sound. Often taking on lead vocal duties, Gundy is noted for a singing style that is the “perfect amount of raspy and smooth.” Duane often takes the lead on trio’s diverse repertoire, which ranges from bluegrass and gospel to the Beatles. His ability to switch between lead parts and interlocking harmonies is a huge part of why The Dawg’s vocal blend is so incredibly tight.
Jim Shenk
Jim is the band’s true master craftsman! Not only does he bring the soul on the guitar and pedal steel, but he actually hand-builds the instruments the band plays. From mandolins to complex pedal steels, Jim’s craftsmanship is the literal backbone of their sound. His expertise with the pedal steel guitar adds a unique, twangy dimension to the trio, and whether he’s trading lead vocals or locking in those middle harmonies, Jim’s musical fingerprints are all over every song they play.
Randy Horst
By day, he’s a mild-mannered art professor emeritus, but on stage, Randy provides the driving base undertones that keep the songs moving! As the band’s newest member and dedicated upright bass player, Randy creates a fascinating dynamic—contrasting his deep, quick-plucked bass lines with high vocal harmonies. He’s the anchor of the group, ensuring their sound is as rich as it is rhythmic.
300+ Gigs
Over 300 shows at regional breweries and festivals
40+ Tracks
Over 40 tracks professionally recorded
100+ Years
A combined 100+ years of musical experience.
Get to Know our Instruments
Mandolin
The mandolin is a small, stringed instrument in the lute family best known for its bright, sparkly tone. It provides a plucky rhythmic drive and fast, melodic solos that dance over the deeper sounds of the guitar and bass.
Guitar
Acoustic guitars use a hollow body to naturally amplify the vibration of the strings. It can provide the chordal foundation or step into the spotlight for melodic solos.
Pedal Steel Guitar
This is the complex instrument Jim Shenk plays. It sits horizontally on legs and uses a metal slide, foot pedals, and knee levers to change the pitch, creating that iconic crying sound iconic in country and gospel.
Bass
The giant of the string family, it produces a warm, woody tone that anchor the group. The vibrations can actually be felt by the other musicians, helping the whole trio stay “locked in” during those tight three-part harmonies.
Gallery
