Feature Porch Performers

OOLONG GURUS: Introducing The Oolong Gurus! No, this is not Middle Eastern sitar music as the name may indicate, but a talented group of experienced musicians, songwriters and performers providing the finest in musical entertainment.  The Guru’s provide a mix of rootsy styled American music guaranteed to entertain a diverse audience.  They perform a unique blend of original and established material that includes elements of country, pop, blues, rockabilly, and bluegrass. There is something for everyone!  The Group consists of Allan Duffy on Lead Guitar, Mark Keck on Bass and Vocals, Doug Baldwin on Drums and Percussion, and Brad Williams on Guitar, Mandolin, and vocal. Group members have performed all over the country including multiple performances on the Historic Wheeling Jamboree television and radio program, Jamboree in the Hills, clubs, fairs, and festivals everywhere.

CHESTNUT RIDGE: The local gospel and bluegrass group, Chestnut Ridge, will make their first appearance performing for the Front Porch Series. The group loves to have fun, sing about Jesus and other familiar bluegrass tunes! They share many years of musical experience. The group consists of Jeanell Branstool-Mandolin and Vocals, Darrel Sanson-Guitar, Banjo, and Vocals, Jim Hawkins-Fiddle, Dobro, and Vocals, Arlin Bradford-Bass and Vocals,and new to the group, Mark Dettmer-Banjo, and Caleb Dettmer-Guitar. We look forward to this great event!

Serra Austin Band: A powerhouse of vocal talent accompanied by a fantastic group of instrumentalists, The Serra Austin Band has an eclectic range from current hits to nostalgic favorites. Their founding members, who started making music together 20 years ago, have reunited and added some fresh new talent to the mix. They are thrilled to be playing events and venues all over the Central Ohio area and beyond.

Gypsy Stew: Gypsy Stew’s singer/guitarist Don Cook, currently from New Orleans, added Ohio native and genre-bending fiddler Brad Oviatt to pursue his new vision of the band. With a combined performance experience of over 125 years, Don and Brad are fun to watch – their on-stage communication is incredible. Their shows together have ranged from Chicago and Philadelphia to Florida, performing at clubs, festivals, bars, campgrounds, courtyards and any other venue you can name. They simply enjoy making music together. In the winter season Don works out of New Orleans and also with the Dick Deluxe Revue. We welcome you to the world of Gypsy Stew - a most uncommon band!

PROJECT ROUNDTABLE: The project RoundTable Band has been rockin' the kingdom since 2008. Currently the band consists of members Spencer Hoeflich (keyboards, harmonica, vocals), Jerry Kies (bass, vocals), Ben Blackford (guitar, vocals) and drummer Mark Stokes. Song selections from the 60s, 70s, and beyond provide toe-tapping beats across several music genres. Thanks for listening and have fun!! See you on the Porch!

Handsome Devils: The Handsome Devils are a roots-driven band that’s been bringing their unique blend of bluegrass, folk, and Americana to stages for over a decade. With a sound steeped in tradition and carried by strong harmonies, the group features the combined talents of Patrick Gilligan, his daughter Halle (Gilligan) Krajenski, Jon Tazewell, and Gage Kuhlman.

Their music draws from the spirit of back porch jam sessions and old-time mountain melodies, blending heartfelt storytelling with infectious rhythms and an easygoing charm. Whether performing original songs or breathing new life into classics, The Handsome Devils bring a warm, high-energy presence that gets feet tapping and hands clapping.

With years of shared experience and a deep musical bond, the band has crafted a sound that’s authentic, soulful, and unmistakably their own. At every show, The Handsome Devils celebrate the power of tradition, connection, and the joy of making music together.

Their music is as much about heart as it is about talent—built on family, friendship, and a shared love of bringing joy to the community through song.

DESMOND WALL: "Have Guitar Will Travel"  is Desmond's favorite motto. And travel he did. Criss crossing continents between Europe and California, Desmond busked in the streets, cafes and pubs sharing his brand of humor and popular music from the 60's and 70's with an occasional original song thrown in the mix. Desmond settled into Mount Vernon over 20 years ago and has established himself as a bonafide talent with songwriting and acting credits along the way. Having enjoyed success with the Beatles cover band Sgt. Pepper, Desmond now performs as McLennon, a McCartney/Lennon tribute. He entertains young and old alike at various functions, wineries and restaurants in Ohio, including The Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival, The Blue Barn Winery, The Oaks Lakeside, Duffers Restaurant and Pub and Gervasi's Vineyard to name a few. At present Desmond is recording original songs at Oranjudio Studio in Columbus. "I am looking forward to the Summer Front Porch Series and to connecting with the audience through music and laughter." Take care and see you there! 

John Brenneman: John Brenneman is a 23 year old Mount Vernon native, just recently graduating from the University of Dayton. John now lives in Columbus, Ohio and works in marketing. While at the University of Dayton, John played in a band called Porch, playing in bars, house parties, and other events. John has been writing his own music for a little over a year, with major influences including John Prine, Tyler Childers, Sierra Ferrell, John Mayor, The Avett Brothers, Briston Maroney, Jason Isbell, Alan Jackson, Waylon Jennings, Bob Seger, and many more.

Herbert Crenshaw: Bio Coming Soon

Ken Parsons: Ken Parsons is a singer/songwriter from Warsaw, Ohio who performs with a 6-string acoustic, 12-string acoustic, and harmonica. Ken has a surprisingly eclectic repertoire, ranging from “Rainbow Connection” (Kermit the Frog) to classics like “Summertime” (Gershwin) to Willie Nelson, John Prine, and Pink Floyd. Ken has been playing music for over 40 years and specializes in folk, Americana and singer/songwriter music from the 1950-1970's. Ken recently released his original song, “My Little Man” dedicated to his grandson, and performs other original songs due to be released this summer! To learn more visit kenparsonsmusic.com.

Songwriter Porch Performers

John Schnabel: Bio Coming Soon

ETHAN KELLNER: Ethan is a songwriter originally from Marion, Ohio. He moved to Mount Vernon in 2021 and fell in love with this place (and his wife) immediately. He’s been learning to play the guitar for 20 years now and has written a couple songs along the way. Ethan is so excited for the opportunity to share his music with you all and can’t think of a better way to do that than The Front Porch Concert Series!

Sawmill Joe:  “Sawmill” Joe Cheves is a singer songwriter formerly based out of Denver. His unique style was developed in the rowdy beer joints and biker bars of Colorado's Front Range and central mountains. The sawmill moniker he uses comes from his thirteen years working at and eventually managing a rough cut pine and fir lumber mill in between Boulder and Golden, CO. Joe currently lives in Gambier with his wife, Lindsey, son, Milo, and daughter, Sunday, and is training as a commercial electrician with Buckingham Electric in Mt. Vernon.

Community Porch Performers

Bill Baxter Page: After I retired I decided to get serious about playing guitar and singing. While living in Nashville I learned to finger pick and sing from some of the masters. Now, I play at many venues in the central Ohio area.

Carmony Acoustic Duo: Hello we are Todd and Bryce Carmer and we are Carmony Acoustic Duo. We are a father/son duo and music has always been a big part of our family! Todd’s Dad, Aunt and Uncle played professionally back in the 70’s and his brothers were in a rock band for several years, and his cousin still plays shows up in the Marblehead Ohio area. We learned a lot of our music singing at family reunions and get togethers over the past 40 years. We love the simplicity of an acoustic guitar and singing two part harmony! We started doing shows in 2024 in the Newark area and are looking forward to more showns in 2025!

Greg Maxwell: Greg Maxwell began playing guitar in 1974 to learn John Denver songs and to meet girls. He experienced greater success with the former. After playing in a duo around Central Ohio for a number of years, he got married and gave up on his career as a rockstar. These days Greg runs a busy guitar repair and setup shop just outside of Mount Vernon. 

McKINLEY FIGURSKI: McKinley Figurski’s roots start right here in Mount Vernon, Ohio where her passion for music ignited at the age of 3. Her musical journey began with TaVaci, evolving into performances with MTVArts, the MVHS Theater Department, MVHS Chorale, and the Youth Showcase. Most recently she was Ellie Blake in MVHS’s production of Freaky Friday. She can be spotted performing with MTVArts in Footloose and Little Mermaid Jr. Inspired by her father Eric and her Grandpa Vic, she began playing the guitar. She just graduated from Mount Vernon High School and plans to continue her education in music education. She wants to share her passion for music with her future students. As for her music taste, it is everywhere. She has performed anything from musical theater to pop to folk ballads.

Jayson Herbst: Bio Coming Soon