Stained Glass Window

Stained Grass Window is a five-piece bluegrass ensemble from north central Pennsylvania and has performed over the past ten years throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. While they use the instruments normally found in a bluegrass band, this group draws its music from a wide variety of sources including jazz and gospel music, as well as doing many bluegrass standards. George Graham, host of WVIA-FM's Home Grown Music, who produced their first album, calls Stained Grass Window "eclectic."

As is true for many bluegrass musicians, members of Stained Grass Window have day jobs. Lou Eberlin, from Picture Rocks, anchors the group with rhythm guitar and carries a substantial portion of the lead vocal work. Mark Doncheski is a motorcycle mechanic from Danville who plays banjo, mandolin, finger style guitar and bass. Rick Marcera, from Asbury, Pennsylvania, is Stained Grass Window's newest member. He is a versatile musician who plays bass, guitar, mandolin, saxophone, drums, piano, and he sings. He spent a number of years performing music on the cruise ship circuit.

Bob Meehan travels farthest and plays the instrument least often found in a bluegrass group. This accomplished harmonica player from South Carolina, brings a special quality to bluegrass. Recently retired from work as a truck driver in the metro New York area, Bob now provides custom work on harmonicas for other performers. He refined his own mastery of the 'harp' to such a level that he has been featured in the Hohner harmonica magazine.

Ken Shafranko is a project manager for a Williamsport industrial firm. He plays the resophonic guitar, commonly known as the "dobro." Ken also provides lead and harmony vocals and usually provides gently humorous emcee work when the band performs.

Stained Grass Window is one of eighteen groups that will perform at the OATS Festival. They will appear with such headliners as Charlie Waller and the Country Gentlemen, The James King Band, Front Range, The Gibson Brothers, Bob Paisley and the Southern Grass --groups that are known throughout the country. The following they've earned in central Pennsylvania will tell you that the tight vocals and impressive instrumental work of Stained Grass Window fit well with these national acts.