Dale Brewer is no stranger to Bluegrass and old time music.  Dale was inspired to play music at an early age by his grandmother, Dorothy Albert, who played the guitar, mandolin and banjo and sang old time sacred and secular songs.   He has played in many bands and had his own band in the camp of Bluegrass music.  He started playing with the “Terrapin Hill Ramblers”, and later on formed his own band “Wills Creek”, which included among it’s various members; Chris Griffy, Jeff Griffy, Marty Hays, Chad Hays and his nephew, Mike Brewer.  Dale later on formed the Southern Illinois Bluegrass Association who sponsored monthly Bluegrass shows at the historic the historic Sesser Opera House bringing national acts to Sesser Illinois.  Later He would serve as Chairman for the Salem Bluegrass festival.

Brewer has recently taken and interest in old time “Claw Hammer” banjo playing.   He has been studying and playing heavily for the past two years.   All of his peers agree that he should have picked this up a long time ago, due to his efficient learning and creative playing.  It seems like he has found his place in the music world with the banjo.

Whether it be: forming a Bluegrass society, starting a band, studying native American artifacts, wood carving, or now the Claw hammer banjo, Dale Brewer has always been driven to keep alive our American Heritage.