San Dimas Historical Society Spring Meeting

Songs of the San Gabriels

by the Vin Fiz Flyer

 Vin Fiz Flyer will presented a musical program with songs that focused on local history at the spring meeting of the San Dimas Historical Society held on Thursday May 13, at the San Dimas Canyon Country Club. 

The Music

With an emphasis on folk and bluegrass music, this trio has quickly developed a following made up of people who enjoy all things acoustic. Their performances include energy, musicianship, tight harmony vocals, and original music. Striving to evoke the charm of a bygone era and the voice of a brighter future, the band embraces other facets of acoustic music: old-time, gypsy-swing, and country.

Of particular interest is their original material, which focuses on the history of Southern California—the colorful characters and evocative stories. Daredevil Miners, for example, recounts the experiences of a young East-Fork miner who longs for a berth in the crew of the Allison Mine, high on the precipitous cliffs of Iron Mountain. Another tune details the history of Herbert the windy mule on the “One-Man-and-a-Mule” railway near Mount Lowe’s Alpine Tavern, above the streets of Pasadena.  

The Band

Taking their name from the Wright brother's flier that made the first transcontinental flight from New York to Pasadena way back in 1911, Vin Fiz Flyer has been involved in the San Gabriel Valley music scene for the past seven years.

The pickers aboard the Flyer include Donn Cunningham, on guitar and vocals, a musician's musician. Donn possesses a flat-picking style reminiscent of Clarence White and Tony Rice, and his seasoned vocals deliver a calm sincerity, giving the band more than a degree of authenticity. Singing and playing banjo, guitar, and mandolin,

Kent Besocke adds different textures to the music to give each song a unique identity. He has also penned some of the band's original tunes.

Steve Wilke plays mandolin and guitar and sings. While giving the music consistent drive and melody, he also helps to create the band's lively sound by arranging unique vocal harmonies. Steve also contributes original music to the band's repertoire. 

 The Invitation

Anyone with an interest in local history is invited to the spring meeting of the San Dimas Historical Society. The cost is $22 for members and $25 for non-members. The evening will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the speaker on Thursday, May 13, at the San Dimas Canyon Country Club, 2100 Terrebonne Ave. in San Dimas.

For information or reservations please contact the San Dimas Historical Society office at 909-592-1190 as soon as practical. We expect a sellout.