Ruth & Max Bloomquist

Ruth and Max Bloomquist have been making music together since they met in 1975 and discovered a common love for practically any music that features acoustic instruments and lyrics that touch the heart. Contemporary folk, bluegrass, traditional country, the country and folk rock so popular at the time – Ruth and Max were excited by it all.Ruth was playing solo gigs at the time, singing her favorite folk tunes and a few originals accompanying herself on guitar, and had already played an extended tour with a former duet partner. Max loved to play guitar and sing, too, and soon was showing up at Ruth’s gigs, first as a spectator and, not much later, begging to play along. That same year the couple met another talented guitarist and singer, Steve Reeths, and the band Amaryllis was born. The trio was soon playing festivals and clubs across Western Michigan. Feeling the need to broaden their sound, Reeths took up the 5-string banjo and mandolin with tremendous success, and Max took up the bass and never looked back. Amaryllis toured regularly for nearly 20 years, sometimes taking long hiatuses when day jobs or other opportunities arose, and the three remain friends and occasional musical collaborators still. Ruth and Max married in 1977 sealing their partnership forever.Ruth Bloomquist, singer/songwriter, has since released three CDs supported by Max and a host of their beloved musical friends. Ruth and Max have recently devoted themselves to making music full time. Performing as a duo or with occasional collaborators, they have experienced increasing success. In 2003, Ruth was a winner of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest held annually at Merlefest, arguably the nation’s leading festival of acoustic and Americana music. Previously, she had showcased as a songwriter at the IBMA’s annual World Of Bluegrass convention and business conference. In 2006 the couple played an official showcase at the Midwest Regional Conference of the Folk Alliance (FARM) and Ruth was named among December’s top 5 vocalists by Singer Universe Magazine.Now music takes Ruth & Max wherever it will. Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas have been host to their talents, and their plan is to continue that journey together sharing music with as many audiences as possible.