About the Carroll County Ramblers

Versatility and quality performance are synonymous with the name of the Carroll County Ramblers. Each band member can provide several different qualities within the group, instrumentally and vocally. The group today consists of five members, two of which (Bonnie, and Dale Eyler) are family, with Jeff Toal, Steve Waldon, and Dave Dulaney who are considered part of the family, rounding out the group. The Ramblers have recorded several albums for Zap, Adelphi, and Alear labels plus several recording projects on their own label.
The Carroll County Ramblers have always made it their goal to perform the best show possible for whatever audience they face. They've been pleasing audiences for over thirty years -- the young, the old, dyed in the wool bluegrass follower as well as the casual bluegrass listener. Judging by the reactions of their audiences, they've been meeting their goal successfully and will continue to strive to do so. The Carroll County Ramblers have made their mark in bluegrass music and are here to stay!

Bonnie Eyler literally grew up on bluegrass music. As a tiny tyke she'd curl up to sleep in the instrument cases when her mom and dad were playing on stage. Bonnie learned to play fiddle and bass, and went on stage with the family when she was a little girl. She officially joined the band after graduating from high school. Besides playing bass and sometimes fiddle, Bonnie sings lead, tenor and baritone and has started writing and performing some of her own family oriented songs, "Grandma's Sewing Machine", and, "Grandma and Me".

Dale Eyler handles the fiddle and sings lead and baritone. Dale provides precise, melodic accompaniment during the group's vocal selections and rousing renditions of bluegrass fiddle tunes. Although Dale has studied classical violin, his heart is in bluegrass! He reads music, researches selections, and arranges some of the groups materials. Dale's keen wit and delightful sense of humor enlivens stage performances and chases away the boredom during those long road trips!

Jeff Toal plays mandolin and sings lead and baritone. He was introduced to Bluegrass Music when he worked at Campbell's Music store in the 1970's. As a young man learning about music he would sit in the audience and learn from the bands, including the Carroll County Ramblers. A song writer for many years, Jeff enjoys bringing new music into the band. His songs will be heard throughout our shows.

Steve Waldon Jr. has been with the group for almost 9 years now. He brings a traditional banjo style influenced by the bluegrass greats such as Earl Scruggs and Don Reno. Steve played in his first band, Briar Hollow, at age 13. Later he played with the Bluegrass Mountain Boys, before coming to the Carroll County Ramblers. He can be heard on three CD's with the prior bands. In his spare time, when not playing banjo, he can be found playing mandolin and guitar. Steve is happy to be a member of the Carroll County Ramblers with their long association in Bluegrass.

Dave Dulaney plays guitar, sings lead and harmony. He started playing and singing at age 8. Dave had played bluegrass and country music for several years with George (Toby) Tyler and Fiddling Country as lead vocals and guitar. Dave has been a song writer for several years, has a deep love for bluegrass with its hard driving tempo’s and tight harmony’s. Dave’s high energy songs will keep your toes tapping during the show.