The Hitchhikers Band was founded by guitarist and mandolin player Bob Sheldon. Bob enjoyed a wide variety of musical genres and encouraged people of all playing levels. Most of all, music was fun for Bob and that enthusiasm for sharing music is a lasting gift he passed on to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Following in his footsteps comes Barb Kaplan, who facilitated Bob’s legacy with her love and passion for music, particularly Celtic music. She passionately expressed her enthusiasm for this genre of music with her flute and penny whistle. Barb insisted we “pay it forward” by accepting all levels of talent, just as Bob did at the initiation of this group. Barb and her husband Benji are now investing their time with family…especially grand children.

Since its inception, a variety of musicians have shared their talents with the band. Hence the name Hitchhikers. Currently, the band consists of Roni Crum on percussion, George Carrington on guitar and banjo, Catherine Estill on fiddle, Eric Estill on guitar, Donna Beers on bass guitar, John Noack on guitar and mandolin and Elizabeth Sawzin on flute and penny whistle.