Ridin' the Fault Line

Hotter than a Runaway Train -

RIDIN' THE FAULT LINE is a bluegrass group featuring Mike Akin (banjo, dobro and lead vocals), Larry Swift (mandolin and harmony vocals), Richard Schmeling (guitar and harmony vocals) and Janna Lauer (bass).

The group's contagious traditional sound has earned them opening slots for Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Steve Kaufman, Don Williams, Alison Brown Quartet and Mountain Heart. You can catch them most Friday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Joe Morley's BBQ 7720 S 100 West in Midvale, Utah. (Call (801) 255-8928 to confirm)

Mike Akin

Mike 's music began at age 7 when his mom taught him piano. In the folk era, Mike played finger-style guitar. Later, he would play his way through college with such bands as - The Country Gentlemen, The Nashville Freeway, and The Elkwater Flea & Tick Band. In the seventies, Mike picked up the banjo and hasn't put it down. In California, he played with group Niles Stalnaker and the Bluegrass Dreamers. Since returning to Utah, he has been the cornerstone of RIDIN' THE FAULT LINE. (Mike won first place in Utah State Banjo Championship at the Sandy Bluegrass Festival July, 2000)

Richard Schmeling

Brooklyn born, and California raised, Richard Schmeling is a multi-talented musician - playing piano, mandolin and guitar. In 1966 Richard founded California folk group Greensleeves. For RIDIN' THE FAULT LINE, he handles the guitar and takes the high harmonies.

Larry Swift

Raised in the Ozark's of Missouri, Larry was weaned on Bluegrass. Larry is a fan of many musical styles - and is a top blues guitarist in his own right - but he always comes back to his roots. Master of the mandolin, Larry's favorites include Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers and J.D. Crowe.

Janna Lauer

Rock solid on the upright bass, Janna played with well known Utah bands Somewhat Faithful and Cactus Swing. She founded and directs Heart & Soul, a non-profit organization in Salt Lake City that takes music (600+ shows/ year) to people isolated in institutions.