Outlaw Country in the Heart of Pennsylvania
by Rachel Rocks
Black Mountain Jack is a high-energy, foot stompin’ outlaw country and southern rock band. They’ve been together for a little over 9 years, three of the members were playing together in the rock band Jezebel Sons, and one day they decided they had enough, and they wanted a new project. They decided to shock a lot of their fans by starting a country band. Black Mountain Jack is really an “outlaw country” band. They all have so many different influences, so they play a wide variety of music from Waylon Jennings to Hank Jr. and beyond. Their music isn’t about crying in your beer, they want to get you out there dancing and forgetting about your problems, even if it’s just for a night. I like to refer to them as the AC/DC of country. They play a lot of classics, but they beef them up and get everyone out dancing.
Don Meas is one of their lead vocalists and guitar players. He has an amazing voice and he’s been playing in different bands for many years, he has a lot 
of experience, and he definitely knows what he’s doing on stage. He really knows how to read a crowd and once he gets the crowd there he just keeps throwing it at them, gaining new fans in the process. Music is Don’s life, he also still plays acoustic acts during the week simply because he can’t convince the rest of the guys to jump in a bus and tour the country 7 days a week.
of experience, and he definitely knows what he’s doing on stage. He really knows how to read a crowd and once he gets the crowd there he just keeps throwing it at them, gaining new fans in the process. Music is Don’s life, he also still plays acoustic acts during the week simply because he can’t convince the rest of the guys to jump in a bus and tour the country 7 days a week. Mick Edinger is another extremely seasoned vocalist and bass player for the band. Mick’s hard driving bass lines really lay down a strong foundation for the band. He got his first catalog guitar 
30 years ago and his Dad said, “Oh that’s just going to sit around a collect dust.” Mick just wants to point out that the dust aint on it yet! He’s been polishing that guitar which has now switched to a bass for the last 30 years. You can also catch Mick sometimes playing a duo acoustic set with Don. He’s very grateful that his Dad still supports him and the rest of the band to this day. Without family support, it’s hard to survive in the world of music. It’s nice to have someone on your side.
30 years ago and his Dad said, “Oh that’s just going to sit around a collect dust.” Mick just wants to point out that the dust aint on it yet! He’s been polishing that guitar which has now switched to a bass for the last 30 years. You can also catch Mick sometimes playing a duo acoustic set with Don. He’s very grateful that his Dad still supports him and the rest of the band to this day. Without family support, it’s hard to survive in the world of music. It’s nice to have someone on your side. Also laying down a strong foundation is Jeff Reigel, or “J.R. Thunder” on drums. I’m sure most people can already figure out the “Thunder” comes from how hard he hits those skins! He always loved country, but it just took a few years before he could convince enough guys that not everyone has to be a rock and roll star. He also wanted me to make sure and add in, “Wow! Pinky, look I’m in a band!” 
He is definitely in a band and with all his stick twirling and throwing he’s a great entertainer. He’s been harassed by different people who find out he’s in a country band, but it never fails to amaze him how many of them actually start singing along. Either they are quick learners or they’ve been supporting country a little longer than they like to admit. He’s just glad he has friends and fellow band mates that like almost every kind of music he does. He just loves having fun and playing live music for everyone to enjoy.
He is definitely in a band and with all his stick twirling and throwing he’s a great entertainer. He’s been harassed by different people who find out he’s in a country band, but it never fails to amaze him how many of them actually start singing along. Either they are quick learners or they’ve been supporting country a little longer than they like to admit. He’s just glad he has friends and fellow band mates that like almost every kind of music he does. He just loves having fun and playing live music for everyone to enjoy. Brandon Barnhart, the keyboardist, and another great guitar player, fills in all the gaps and makes Black Mountain Jack complete. He’s played the piano since he was 6 years old and was trained intensely in classical and honky tonk styles for 9 years. When he joined 
Black Mountain Jack he quickly learned that he can just relax and have a great time playing the music he loves. I’ve seen Brandon play his keyboard several different ways, but the last time he even played it upside down/backwards. It’s always awesome seeing someone play, enjoying every note. He also enjoys playing the guitar because with his wireless unit, he can easily come out and dance with the crowd and have a great time. He’s definitely the multi-tasker of the group, and he does it all with ease.
Black Mountain Jack he quickly learned that he can just relax and have a great time playing the music he loves. I’ve seen Brandon play his keyboard several different ways, but the last time he even played it upside down/backwards. It’s always awesome seeing someone play, enjoying every note. He also enjoys playing the guitar because with his wireless unit, he can easily come out and dance with the crowd and have a great time. He’s definitely the multi-tasker of the group, and he does it all with ease. Black Mountain Jack has been perfectly content playing the legion/moose circuit, but about a year ago Cindy Hoffer took the reigns and started booking their shows, now they are at least 6 times busier than they ever were. It took some convincing to get into some of the clubs in the Harrisburg area at first, but once they got in, the club owners and fans keep having them come back for more. Now you can catch them all over the central PA region at clubs/bars, moose, legions, carnivals, festivals, etc.. Recently they even played at the Susquehanna Valley Harley Davidson open house. They enjoy the extra venues, but they still make sure and leave plenty of time for their family because that is definitely their top concern.
Another new addition is Ron Shuler, their sound technician. He has really helped add to their show. He’s not afraid to play with all those knobs and make the sound different and better for every song, taking Black Mountain Jack to the next level of entertainment. It’s amazing at how many different people are needed to help a show run successfully.
Black Mountain Jack also wanted to make sure and thank all their family and fans. When the dance floor is packed and every one is having a good time they know their mission is complete. They are thrilled their fans range all the way from 9 to 90 years old. Don will never forget when a lady came up to him at the Moose and said, “Excuse me sir, are you gonna’ ROCK the house tonight!” This was a little white haired lady, that then later was out there boot scootin’ and boogying the night away. You never know where your next fan is going to be found, but Black Mountain Jack is definitely on the hunt!
Throughout the month of May you can catch Black Mountain Jack at a few different legions, at a carnival, and even at a couple clubs. So make sure and check out their schedule in this and every issue of the PA Musician Magazine to see where they’ll be playing next. Also stop by their website at www.blackmountainjack.net and check out their photo gallery and see what you’ve been missing, or you can be their friend at www.myspace.com/blackmountainjack Give Don or Cindy a call at 717.275.2479 and get them booked for your next big show or private party.
