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Radio Stars
Wed, Sept 29 - Sat, Oct 2, 2 shows daily
The Radio Stars are Merrill Piepkorn-guitars, harmonica, vocals; Gregg Temple-guitars, including pedal steel, vocals; R.P. Sell-Bass guitar, vocals; Loy Larson-fiddle, mandolin.
Piepkorn and Temple began playing together at Concordia College, in Moorhead, MN in about 1972, and although their personal and professional paths took them different directions in life, they maintained their musical relationship throughout the years. They were members of the popular band Skunk Hollow that played extensively in the Midwest from 1974 well into the 80s. Paulette Carlson, who went on to national fame with the group Highway 101 was a member of Skunk Hollow during that time.
Piepkorn left the Twin Cities based group, returning to Fargo to form the honky tonk band, Wang Dang Doodle with RP. Between then and now Merrill, Smokey, (that’s Gregg!) and RP have performed together several times over the years…for the past few years ad The Radio Stars. The newest and youngest member of the group is fiddler, Alex Rydell.
The group has performed recently at the Medora Veteran’s Day celebration, headlined the Dakota Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Theodore Roosevelt’s 150th Birthday celebration in Medora, and the Sibyl Center in Merrill’s hometown of Stanley, ND.
Piepkorn, born in Stanley-raised in Fargo, is known to many folks across the state because of his state-wide radio program on Prairie Public. He also served as the Public Address announcer for the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks for 10 years before stepping down to devote more time to music, The Radio Stars in particular.
In addition to his superb musical skills, Temple is President: Label Group of Meyers Printing Company in the Twin Cities. Smokey also serves as the Musical Director for the group.
R.P. Sell owns and operates his own woodworking and cabinet-making business. He and his wife also keep horses on their farm near Hawley, MN.
Alex Rydell is a licensed mortician with Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home in Fargo.
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