By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
CALEDONIA—There’s nothing like the feeling of hearing your favourite classic song played live on stage. For the members of Caledonia’s Country Ramblers, the thrill of playing classic country music has been the driving force behind 45 years of friendship, music, and more than a few great memories.
The group’s origins go all the way back to the late 70s, when Don Edwards called up some of his friends to hop on stage with him for a night of country music in support of Grace United Church. The show, headlined by local singer J. Brian Oaks, who had a few songs on the charts at the time, was a big success, inspiring Don to run a monthly dance, harkening back to the olden days.
CALEDONIA—The above photo from the late 1970s shows the Country Ramblers in an early incarnation on stage. Pictured (l-r) are Fraser Burke, Don Edwards, Everot Horton, seated is Bill Forrest, playing the fiddle is Ed Bijakowski, Leone Walker, Cheri Henning, and Scott Edwards.
“We progressed to playing at Onieda Public School for monthly dances that always included square dancing,” said Scott Edwards, Don’s son and an original band member.
The success of those dances led the group toward many other opportunities, frequently appearing at birthdays, anniversaries, 4-H Club events, Steam Shows, and a variety of fairs including Simcoe, Rockton, and Caledonia. They played a fundraising show following the Hagersville tire fire of February, 1990 and they entertained guests at the Reaves. Along with multiple appearances at Caledonia’s Music in the Park, a highlight for the band was playing the main stage at a plowing match with former Prime Minister Jean Chretien in the stands watching.
While the band would see some members come and go over time, for the majority of their career both the Edwards, Ed Bijakowski, Dan Sabo, and Jim Anderson have made up the core.
Scott spoke about some of the ways the band has evolved over the course of four-plus decades, noting that in the early days they had equipment that was “terribly heavy and the sound was just ok,” compared to today, where the equipment is much lighter and more powerful, helping the band become tighter than ever.
MOUNT HOPE—Above right, the classic Ramblers lineup included (l-r) Ed Bijakowski, Don Edwards, Jim Anderson, Scott Edwards, and Dan Szabo. The 2023 incarnation play weekly shows at The 447 Wing in Mount Hope with current members (at right) Scott Edwards, Rob Davidson, Gary Arsenault, Bob Lickers, and John Davis.
—Photos courtesy of Scott Edwards.
“In the early days our music was really fiddle-driven with two steps, waltzes, and polkas. As time went by, a mixture of vocals and guitar with the fiddle emerged. We tried to emulate Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and Ray Price.”
The band’s sound evolved with current trends throughout the 80s and 90s, with more modern country artists like Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, and Ricky Skaggs added to the band’s setist.
“In the early days we never knew just who would be joining us on stage and our sound was very unrehearsed. When the group went to just the main five members the group became focused on versatility and a tighter sound.”
The 2023 iteration of the band includes original member Scott Edwards playing with Gary Arsenault, John Davis, Bob Lickers, and Rob Davidson.
Scott said that constant evolution has helped the Ramblers stay in the game: “The current band is made up with some very seasoned players. John Davis is a great singer/bass player who was one the founding members of Ronnie and the Rockets. Gary Arsenault is a fine singer/guitar/piano player. Rob Davidson is one of the very best percussionists you will ever find anywhere. Bob Lickers is a great pedal steel guitar player who has played with many bands, including Lorretta Lynn’s daughters.”
Scott himself has a long history as a guitarist for gospel and coutry groups in the area. He said the ’23 iteration continues with its stable of classic country hits because “it’s music that people can sing along with and dance to. So many artists today don’t play music you could easily dance to. Those old songs tell stories of life that they can relate to. We hope that by reviving the old classics we can draw in a whole new audience.”
He added, “Younger folks who hear us for the first time think we’re playing new songs. The most rewarding thing over the years has to be the fantastic people we’ve met. From bandmates to the people who have followed us through the years, some have become close family friends. When you come to one of our dances, you’ll meet some of the nicest people around. If you’re lucky they might just become one of your friends too.”
The Country Ramblers can be seen every Thursday from 7-10 p.m. at The 447 Wing in Mount Hope. If you’re jonesing for some great country music, they are sure to wet your whistle.
