Ben and Deb have been married for almost 30 years and raised 3 sons.  They both hail from Blind River, Ontario but didn’t know each other as kids.  They met at ages 18 and 19 through mutual friends at a bar and it was love at first glance.  They were married two years later.

Deb got her inspiration from her Dad who used to pick a mean guitar and is a great old-time fiddler.   In his more senior years he has built and sold many violins.  One day Deb decided that she wanted to learn to play the fiddle, but since Dad was at work she told her Mom.  Mom was able to pluck Rubber Dolly out for her on the fiddle to get her started.  The rest is history.  She has since learned to play  guitar, clarinet (in the high school band), some piano and mandolin.  She also had the opportunity to play violin in a college orchestra.  

Ben got the bug through a friend of his Dad’s who visited at their home quite often and would  bring his guitar and sing a few songs.  Ben, who already had an interest in the guitar, was tapping his toes to the music and wanting to know more.   It turns out that this mentor just happened to be Deb’s Uncle Jack!!  Now Ben plays, not only the guitar, but also the mandolin and banjo, and sings a beautiful tune.  He recently even wrote a song for his lovely wife!

They gave up music for a number of years, having lost the desire to play.  When their family was young they became “born-again believers” and began playing in church, turning themselves and their instruments over to Jesus.

Deb says that Westman Jams has been a blessing to them, challenging and motivating them.  The friendly, supportive environment, and the talents of others, has been an inspiration.   The Jams has given them a venue to play and a chance to use their abilities for the benefit of others.

                                                                     We sure are glad they found us!