Mike Theobald

MIKE

 

In the early 60s, Midwestern banjo man, Mike Theobald and his father Jack, helped introduce bluegrass music to Kansas, and they are proud to have formed Kansas' first bluegrass band. Even Vince Gill has mentioned that Jack and Mike were one of his early Bluegrass influences.

 

The Theobalds produced several albums, appeared at major bluegrass festivals in the Midwest, including the first Walnut Valley Festival in 1972 and many radio & TV programs, including the Nashville Network. They became regulars on the Winfield lineup for several years in the 70's and 80's. In more recent years, Mike and his wife, Vickie Lynn, have made Winfield appearances as the group Blue Plate Special, which featured former Dixie Chick founder Robin Macy.  They also headlined again in 2001 and 2007 as part of Kansas Heart. Another highlight for Mike and Vickie, was working on several occasions with Michael Martin Murphey as part of his Buckaroo Bluegrass Band.  Mike has appeared on many radio & TV programs, including the Nashville Network and is a member of the Kansas Bluegrass Hall of Fame.

 

The Radio side of Mike’s career began at KMUW and Wichita State, to the legendary KFDI. Today, Mike is pleased to be a full-time member of the team for Real American Country…KWLS 107.9, a relatively new Classic Country Station.  You can hear Mike and the Ranger each Sunday from Noon to 2pm.

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RANGER

Ranger Stan Greer learned to play mandolin and guitar at an early age. His parents used to tune up their instruments, put them on the bed, then tell the Greer Brothers, “We’ll be back in five or six hours; don’t touch those instruments.” By high school, Ranger Stan and his brother, Banjo Phil, were playing regular gigs on the banquet circuit in their hometown in Southern Illinois.  Then the boys found a bass player, formed The Dubious Brothers, and spent five years playing at Silver Dollar City. Ranger Stan played regularly with the Prairie Rose Rangers at the Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper and he also plays in a local cowboy band, The Home Rangers, plus a couple of other bands.  When Mike was looking for a superstar cowboy singer for a sidekick, he searched for somebody who was pretty good and would work for nothing. Ranger Stan was the biggest good-for-nothing he could find.