Ready Brothers

For almost 18 years one of the mainstays of Bluegrass and traditional country music in northeast Kansas was a band called Calhoun County. When that band broke up four of the members decided they still liked playing together and The Ready Brothers was formed. Like their predecessors the brothers knew they wanted to play more than bluegrass but they also knew they wanted bluegrass to be the base line for their music. The challenge for them would be creating a good sound without a banjo and with a washboard. They also knew they needed a name for the band that fit. The songs that fit the bands instrumentation came quickly and included Bluegrass, Western Swing, Traditional Country, Blues and Roots music. The band’s name took more time. One day the boys decided they were always ready to play music. They also decided they had known each other for so long they were like family. The Ready Brothers were born. As you will find out this led to names for the brothers that lets you know they enjoy making music and not taking themselves too seriously. Let's meet the brothers.

Dick Durow - Also known as “Ever Ready”, Dick is the big brother of the group. He plays the bass and sings lead. Dick played with a country band, Montford Lane for several years. They loved to play Western Swing. After he started playing the Doghouse Bass he was recruited to play with Calhoun County. He is retired from Goodyear in Topeka and lists himself as the only full time musician in the band. There isn't a garage sale in the country that he can drive by. If you need a music stand just give him a holler. Dick and his wife, Bobbie, live in Topeka, Ks.

Ron Meier - Ron is “Never Ready” the second oldest brother. He plays the guitar and sings lead and harmony. He played in rock bands in the 60's but has been a blues and bluegrass fan for years now. Besides being in Calhoun County from the beginning you might also have seen him emceeing local shows and festivals with his good friend, Ben Streeter. Ron and his wife, Dianna, live in Big Springs , Ks. Ron is a registered nurse in Topeka, Ks.

Jason Meier - Jason “Wuzzy Ready” plays the washboard. He is the youngest Ready Brother. Jason has been a drummer since age 3. He latched onto the washboard after seeing Washboard Leo at a folk festival. He played various percussion instruments with the KU marching band and symphonic orchestra. He is currently the drummer for a rock band in Kansas City, Honeywagen, and was the washboard player for Calhoun County. He brings a love of rock music, bluegrass and traditional country. He writes music reviews for a local magazine, Dandercroft. He lives in Lawrence, Ks. and is employed by NCS-Pearson. He is the only member of the band with a Federal security clearance.

Joe Pickett - When you see the band you will know why Joe is known as “Izzy Ready”. He is a few minutes older than his twin brother, Wuzzy. Joe plays mandolin and fiddle and sings lead and harmony. Joe has been playing mandolin since he was the shortest brother. He played with a kid's group, Liberty, before joining Calhoun County. He is a past Kansas State Mandolin Champion and also won the Mandolin contest at Rockygrass in Colorado. Joe is always on the look out for another high energy instrumental tune. He and his wife, Shannon, live in Lawrence, Ks. He is a teacher and coach in Eudora, Ks.