A native of Harvey North Dakota, Monte won 1976 “Best Male Vocalist” and first place “Overall” awards at the Dickinson State University Jamboree in Dickinson North Dakota. He then entertained in several bands throughout the state until 1983 when he relocated to the Twin Cities area. He then worked in the Cascades Band until 1985 when he joined the Cheyenne Band as vocalist/guitarist/frontman. The Cheyenne Band was a regular feature throughout Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin and Canada. The band also opened for many national acts such as the Marshall Tucker Band, Dan Seals, Charlie Daniels, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Michelle Wright, Asleep at the Wheel and David Allan Coe. Cheyenne was also a regular feature at “WE Fest” in Detroit Lakes,MN from 1986 thru 1990. In 1988 they were voted best “Up and Coming Band” and in 1989 “Best Country Band” by the Minnesota Ballroom Operators Association.

A songwriter, Monte won several awards from the Hollywood Pro-Am Song Jubilee in 1987. He also has had several songs published by Common Ground Music of Nashville,TN. In addition to performing he was on the announcing staff at KBMR radio in Bismarck,ND from 1979 to 1983. Monte took time off from music in 1991 to concentrate on raising his family. Now with Circle Back, he’s thoroughly enjoying being back in music. As for hobbies, Monte rides and cares for his horses.

 

 

Steve started playing bass at age nineteen. Unemployed with time on his hands he was challenged by a friend who’s band needed a bassist, to learn the instrument. In the years since then he has been in many popular local and regional acts such as Moonstruck, Straight Shot, Betty Rydell, The Minnesota Mountain Boys, Chill Hillman, OK Chorale and the Shane Allan Band. The Straight Shot Band was named “Best Band” in 1978 by the Upper Midwest Country Entertainers Association. He has also worked many shows with bands such as the Killer Hayseeds, Naked Cowboys and Chase Roberts.

A well seasoned musician, Steve can usually come up with a band story without too much prompting. Such as the time with OK Chorale (spelled right-it’s a play on words) when everyone left the bar at once. The boys found out later that the patrons were volunteer firefighters and had gone to a big fire across town!

And of course there was the time he was privileged to meet Merle Haggard - after first witnessing Johnny Paycheck throw a first rate temper tantrum because Merle was late meeting him at the hotel.

 

 

A Minneapolis native, Steve has played drums for over thirty years. He started at age eight, eventually moving on to concert and marching band. Besides playing drums he is also a very good singer - he’s got that raspy rock voice goin’ on.

Some of the bands Steve has worked in include Redhouse, Highway Gypsy, the Blues Hounds and Mojo Workin’. Rumor has it that the Blues Hounds actually became Mojo Workin’ after an encounter with a certain beautiful young lady - but we digress.