Flint Hill Express

Flint Hill Express 

 A Blend of Bluegrass, Gospel, and Folk Music, with a Nice Touch of Country 

Bill Schaffer – Bass and Lead Harmony Vocals. Coopersburg, PA. Founder of “Willow Creek” Bluegrass, a 20 year tradition in Bucks, Montgomery & Lehigh Counties. Member of “Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association”. Bill got his first guitar when he was 15 yrs. old as a gift from his mother. He practiced with a school mate until he could play some the the 50’s rock-n-roll songs by ear. For many years afterward he was a bedroom picker, playing and singing occasionally for church functions. Then in the early 80’s, Bill and two others formed a Bluegrass band called the “Pleasant Valley Boys”. The band was short lived but Bill continued on by forming a country gospel band with some of his church friends called “The Overflow Singers”. They played churches and other functions for about 13 years. Then in 1995, the “Pleasant Valley Boys” got together for a reunion, enjoying it so much, some of the original players started the “Willow Creek” Bluegrass band. During this time Bill started playing bass fiddle. Bill also played mandolin for about three years with a group called “Garage Kept Bluegrass”.  These days, Bill not only leads “Willow Creek” he also is a music mentor for “Flint Hill Express”. In his spare time he enjoys jamming with bluegrass friends every chance he gets! 

Jude Ruth – Rhythm Guitar / Vocals.  Hatfield, PA. Founder of ”Flint Hill Express”. Member of “The Doylestown Jam” and” Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association”. Jude picked up a guitar for the first time in 1967 at the age of 15. After learning 3 chords she bought an old 12 string Framus for $60.00. She would buy a 45 record, write down the lyrics and then figure out the chords. Most influential at this time was Peter Paul & Mary, John Denver and Simon and Garfunkel. For the next 42 years she was an occasional living room player of her songs from youth while working and raising her children. In 2009 she was encouraged by her husband to look into the widely known “Doylestown Jam” and do a bit more with her love of music. A friend told her to “Drop the 12 string and buy a 6 string.” She invested in a 6 string Canadian Seagull and the rest is history. What started out in 2009 as a personal challenge of overcoming her fear of public speaking and learning to play guitar along with others, turned into so much more. Today, Jude enjoys sharing the music that has developed into a busy and fulfilling hobby. Raised in Ewing, N.J. Jude has lived in The Catskill Mountains of N.Y., and traveled the world 1 ½ times. She now lives in Hatfield, PA with her husband Dave. 

Ben Jarnutowski – 5-String Banjo/Vocals. – Perkasie, PA.  Founder of The Doylestown Bluegrass Jam and member of the Appalachian Fiddle and Bluegrass Association. Originally from Feasterville, PA, Ben now resides in Hilltown with his family. At the age of 10 Ben picked up an accordion, learning theory and keyboard. At age 14 his father coaxed him into joining the Harrowgate String Band, Hulmeville PA, and marched in the Philadelphia Mummer's Parade for several years until he put music away to follow his career and raise his family. Fast forward about 30 years and knowing his desire to play a banjo, his wife presented him with a left-handed 5-string banjo. With banjo and flatpick in hand at his first lesson, his instructor asked what type of music he liked, Ben's response was "Dixieland", his instructor smiled, took away the flatpick, gave him finger picks and introduced him to "Bluegrass", and Ben never looked back. In 2002 Ben founded The Doylestown Jam, where folks meet weekly to learn and play their favorite Bluegrass, Country, Folk, and Gospel Songs in friendly surroundings. Today musicians/travelers from across the US stop in to join the weekly fun. He also hosts an annual Bluegrass Festival known as "BenFest". 

Tom Campbell – Mandolin/Vocals. Huntington Valley, Pa. Member of The Doylestown Jam and Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association. Tom has always been interested in playing an instrument. Over the years he has tried banjo, fiddle and guitar.  While vacationing in 2009, a friend told him about Albert Hall in Waretown, N.J. After stopping by and listening to the front porch musicians he began to search for something similar in the Montgomery Co. Pa. area and found the Doylestown Jam. With the passing of his Mother, Tom inherited her mandolin and started attending the Doylestown Jam.  He learned the tunes and found many helpful friends that made learning easy. He likes up tempo instrumentals and accompanying others with background melodies. Tom’s talents include the ability to draw cartoon caricatures, which mirrors his sense of humor. We are proud to acknowledge 2014 as Toms 50th anniversary as an active Fire Fighter in Huntingdon Valley, PA. 

Our band most frequently plays on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each Month from 7 to 8 pm. Other dates are scheduled well in advance. 

For booking information please call (610) 346-8428 or email Jude.L.Ruth@gmail.com