On The Fence was born from a desire to do something different than the same old classic rock juke box band.

    Chris Youmans, Mike Swartz, and Rohn Tripp had been playing together for about ten years in a classic rock band originally known as "Dangerous When Wet", and later "Flashback". Chris approached long time friend, Dave Yeomans in early 2002, and suggested putting together an acoustic band, and playing more traditional music - Old time, bluegrass, and jug band type stuff. Dave had been interested in playing in just such a band for some time, and jumped at the offer.

    With an original lineup of Chris Youmans on guitar, Mike Swartz on bass, Dave Yeomans on mandolin, and another friend, Frank Wilson on guitar, the band was born.

    Naming the band was a bit of a struggle. The guys considered "The Hangover Horton Spittin' Pickers", (a nod to Frank's roots!), and "The Skillet Lickers" (although nowhere near as accomplished as the original Gid Tanner group!). The first gig was to be Memorial Day weekend, at the Cascades Falls in Jackson, Michigan. A reporter for the local newspaper contacted Chris Youmans, (who is the superintendant at the Cascades Falls) to get some information about the musical lineup for the weekend. After Chris told her the bands that were playing, he also mentioned the acoustic band he had put together. When asked what the band was called, Chris replied,"Well, we're on the fence..." The reporter thought that was a great name, and Chris agreed! "On the Fence" was born!

    The first gig proved to be less than stellar, with temperatures in the 40s, and rain. After four songs, they were rained out. The band remained a diversion, or, hobby sort of thing through that summer, and Frank lined up another gig at a party in August. This time, with a lineup of Chris, Frank, Dave, and Jeff Schwinn standing in on guitar, and guest bass player, Dave Oexler, the guys played a full set. Oexler was a die hard heavy metal bass player, and seemed somewhat perplexed by the music selection of the band, but got through the gig in good shape!

    Shortly after that gig, Rohn Tripp joined the band. Rohn had seen how much fun the guys were having, and really wanted to be part of the fun. The guys stressed that they didn't really want a full drum set in a predominantly acoustic band, so Rohn yanked his wife's antique washboard off the wall, and came to practice!

    Within two or three weeks, the guys had an offer to play monthly at the BLUEStage Club, in Napoleon, Michigan. So, one Thursday a month, for the next three years, "On The Fence" was on the stage. The guys credit that experience for giving them their "stage legs", and getting the chance to gel as a performing entity.

    The band is actually "almost acoustic", and probably hauls more equipment to a gig then most electric bands! And the music has been called "an eclectic mix", and "old hippy music", while the band has been referred to as an "acoustic party band". Heavily influenced by John Prine, Bob Dylan, and The Grateful Dead, the guys are just as likely to pull out a tune by R. Crumb and His Cheapsuit Serenaders, or The Fat City String Band. Or they may come up with some bluegrass tinged Pink Floyd, or Jethro Tull. See them live, and you're likely to hear bluegrass, old time, jug band, classic country, classic rock, and blues. All in one set!

    Whatever you call them, the objective has always been to have fun, and the guys continue to do so today!