Wrangler Band shows flair for country music
The Wrangler Band has been playing for fairs, festivals and events all over the tri-state area and has opened up for Nashville stars such as Faith Hill, Brad Paisley, the late Boxcar Willie, Neal McCoy, Lonestar, Roy Clark, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette, among others.
The group will play at 7 and 9 p.m. Aug. 9 in the Rural King Auditorium Pavilion at the Butler Farm Show.
The band emerged as one of the finalist out of 152 entrants from all over the United States in WWVA Capital Music Hall’s “Starquest 82” in Wheeling, W.Va.
In 1990, the band took first place in the Tri-State Country Music Association’s “Battle of the Bands.”
The Wrangler Band consists of Ron George, Randy George, Christy George Kopsac and Dave Hepler.
Ron George handles lead guitar and vocals.
As one of the original members of The Wrangler Band, he has more than 30 years of musical experience. He is an avid song writer and wrote several of the songs the band recorded on its latest CD, “Long Time Coming.”
Randy George plays bass guitar and sings. He is also a founding member of the band.
He is well-versed in several styles of music, including country, classic rock, ’80s and blues. He also wrote several original songs that appear on the band’s CD. He has worked on recording projects with many bands and completed a tour in Germany in 1994 as opening act for the German entertainers of the year, the Hillbillies. He also performs with a classic rock/blues band in the Clarion area.
Christy George Kopsac plays fiddle and keyboard and sings.
She has been playing the fiddle since she was 6 years old and has won numerous trophies in fiddle competitions throughout Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. The late Boxcar Willie gave her an open invitation to his theater in Branson, Mo., where she performed with him on stage.
Dave Hepler on drums and vocals has been with The Wrangler Band for several years. His music degree from Youngstown State University has prepared him to play a wide variety of music, from classical and jazz to country and classic rock. He has played on several recording projects, as well as performing with a house band in a local church on a weekly basis.
