mhpp

The Mars Hill Porch Pickers -was started by P. Dickson Lester in the Fall of 1992 as an outreach to youth in the community of the Mars Hill Presbyterian Church, Acworth. After the Youth went off to college Dickson continued to use the group to play for retirement homes and other special events in the community around COBB COUNTY, (Acworth/Kennesaw/Dallas/Cartersville and many others). They play a rich mixture of Ballads and older tunes, trying to revive the right mix of old and new.
Dickson, Guitar and vocals (leader of the band), is a self taught musician . His Mother, Sunny Lester, (a fiddle player) and his Grandmother BAMMA, (a concert pianist and Opry singer) were a definite influences on his musical interests, encouraging & supporting him often. He started playing the guitar and singing in Warner Robins, Ga. at 15 yrs. old.. He fell in love with Ballads, Folk, Appalachian, Bluegrass and Irish music. He has no claim to fame just loves to see people smilin' & happy while enjoying his music, especially handicapped children and the elderly in retirement homes. He feels Music Transcends all barriers & boundaries to allow love to permeate the airwaves. Dickson has been known to skip meals rather than miss out on an opportunity to play and sing.
Around 1995 Kevin Garrelts, (Rhythm Guitarist) & member of Mars Hill Presbyterian Church, joined the group. Kevin is a self taught Rhythm guitar man with expert delivery. He thoroughly enjoys playing anytime anywhere and has been an asset to the tone of the group for years. He has a quick WIT about him and brings laughter to the heart. Kevin brings smiles to the young and old alike.
"Washtub John"- (John Katrek, WASHTUB BASS) joined the group after getting together & playing at Dahlonega, Ga. around Spring of 1995 for one of the BEAR ON THE SQUARE Festivals.
"Washtub JOHN"-Katrek, " IS A LEGEND IN HIS OWN MIND" . Washtub John's music career started at the ripe old age of 9 yrs. old learning to play the KEYBOARD ACCORDION. He played Polka's and old classic Italian songs for years. When he moved to Marietta, Ga. From Ft. Lauderdale in 1980, he learned to play 5 string banjo & Mandolin but not well enough to jam. He soon discovered the Washtub and found he had the ability to amaze crowds East of the Mississippi from Fl. To Virginia playing real music & Bass Harmonies with only ONE (1) string tied to an old Washtub. He has jammed with many big names, playing locally with such folks as PAUL JORDAN, The Royer Mountaineers, Elaine and Shorty ("DUH" Band), and others.
Maggie Katrek- wife of John - brings a brand new element to our music with her IRISH TIN WHISTLE tunes. She hails from the GREEN ISLAND of IRELAND and loves to play tunes from the old country. You can hear the distinctive melodies that have transformed themselves into America's Appalachian, Bluegrass and Country Music roots.
Joyce Carey plays a mean fiddle but she has a soft subtile voice that harmonizes well with her Husband Bob Carey. Joyce has played for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and played at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. Due to her FIDDLE Playing and long relationship to the music world, she was recently inducted into the ATLANTA COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OD HONOR. Her fiddle tunes can bring a tear to the toughest of guys, and make you laugh when you least expect it.
Bob Carey has added a new dimension to the harmony of our group with his special voice. He is a soft spoken gentleman with a voice very pleasing to the ears. Bob Brings stability to chaois.
Jeff Griffin - Recently, Jeff Griffin , Banjo & Mandolin extraordinaire, joined the group helping us with many Bluegrass Festivals and Gigs. Jeff's banjo abilities make you feel like the instrument is talking directly to you. It even sounds like it has it's own voice. Jeff has taught banjo, guitar, mandolin and other instruments to numerous individuals throughout the South. He is a joy to be around and his Banjo & Mandolin gives joy to all who come in contact with him.