Photos

Band bios:

Arnold Graham-Smith, hammered dulcimer

Arnold is the founder and original member of the band, and the heart, soul, brains, and backbone of the group. He is a Londoner, but his frequent trips by ferry to Ireland as a young man made a deep impression on his musical sensibilities. Many of his fans say he could well be the Paganini of the hammered dulcimer.

Roy Batterman, flute and bodhran

Roy is a fine Celtic flute and percussionist with lots of experience in venues around Northeast Florida. He has attended and taught at various camps for Irish music, and his improvisational abilities help give Meridian their unique, spontaneous sound.

Carole Wetzel, keyboards

Carole has played and taught piano for many years. Her undertanding of harmonies and her driving style have saved the band's reputation on numerous occasions. She hales proudly from Pennsylvania Dutch country, where her musical influences were wide-ranging.

Al Poindexter, banjo

Ron Spencer, bass

Ron Spencer is a versatile musician who plays several instruments, including Double Bass, Trombone, Tuba, and Guitar. A native of Jacksonville, he has played with many groups and different artists, playing numerous different styles of music, including ballroom dance, folk, bluegrass, Celtic, gospel and inspirational, jazz, rock, R&B, western swing, country, Hawaiian, Indie, Americana, symphonic and pops orchestra, community concert band, etc.

Marcia Winnard, fiddle

Marcia is a classically trained violinist, but - perhaps due to her family's roots in the British Isles - she felt "called" to play Celtic music. She is a much-sought-after professional, but her generous heart has also led her to many charitable perforances for the homeless and the needy.

Jeff Trippe, guitar

Jeff's primary instrument is guitar, but when the band is in a silly mood, they also allow him to play his fiddle. He is a veteran of the folk music scene in and around Jacksonville. His favorite food is barbecued spare ribs.