The Rhinestoners

Sit back, relax, and imagine that today’s country music evolved directly from Merle Haggard, George Jones, Johnny Cash, or even Leon Russell, Little Jimmy Dickens, and C.W. McCall. While the deep roots of country music may be missing from our radio stations, they are alive and well in the original tunes performed by the Rhinestoners of Portland, Oregon. This band offers a fresh alternative to hit radio country and to “No Depression” alt-country. Daniel “Dragon” Walker, on drums, was born in rural West Virginia, and has recorded and performed all across North America. P C Palmedo, is on baritone vocals and bass, and Peter Dubois, plays guitar and writes most of the songs. The latter two have performed in groups playing jazz, orchestral, rock, and kids’ music. But with the Rhinestoners they’re “kindly keepin’ it country.” Live performances feature an additional lead player, most often on pedal steel.