Ted Feyder, Gary and Dawn Timbs to perform

Singer/songwriters Ted Feyder, Gary Timbs and Dawn Timbs will perform at Centennial Auditorium in Staples on Friday, Feb. 3, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the Staples Motley Area Arts Council’s regular season.

Expect to hear a variety of folk, country and gospel music from these three musicians, including original songs and a few crowd favorites. The show’s format will include short sets featuring each of the individual singers, followed by a few group numbers. Motley native Sarah Koopmann, on violin, will join in on some of the selections.

Folk artist Ted Feyder, Lakeshore, grew up north of Hibbing in the Side Lake community. His family lived on Big Sturgeon Lake; and it was there that Ted first was introduced to music and the outdoors, both of which would become passions of his. “I did a lot of music with my mom growing up,” Ted said, adding that his entire family performed at various events over the years. At age 10, Ted started learning guitar; and he continued studying music and performing throughout high school and college.

Ted studied biology at St. Cloud State University and over the years has worked as a biologist and a teacher; but music has always been a major part of his life. During the 1980s, he lived in Alaska, which inspired a number of self-penned tunes featuring nature and family topics. In 1989, he moved back to Minnesota and for 10 years was part of the esteemed folk-rock duo, Feyder and Everhart, which he formed with college-friend Glen Everhart. During that time, the duo performed full-time, entertaining at colleges, corporate events, resorts, etc. They also recorded four CD’s, including “Goin’ Up North,” which has become a favorite of Minnesota outdoors enthusiasts; and been featured on radio and television stations throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Since 2007, Ted has worked as the worship pastor at Lakewood Evangelical Free Church in
Baxter. It’s a job he loves, Ted said, mentioning that he has the opportunity to lead a talented worship band every week at an inspiring church. He and his wife, Micky, have two grown sons and one grandchild. The family enjoys spending time outdoors, canoeing, hunting and skiing. Occasionally, Ted still performs some of his earlier music. During the summers, he’s had a Tuesday evening gig at a Brainerd Lakes Area resort; and he’s looking forward to the show at Centennial Auditorium.

Gary and Dawn Timbs, Staples, have been making music, together and individually, for many years.

Atlanta born and Tennessee raised, Gary’s “Southern-fried” piano playing and rich baritone voice have been nominated for both Grammy and Dove awards. He has performed and recorded as a solo artist; and with various country and gospel groups, including the legendary Statesmen Quartet and Country Music Hall of Fame’s Sonny James. A self-taught musician, Gary’s been playing the piano and B3 organ since he was a kid; and continues to entertain audiences with his one-of-a-kind musical style which he considers to be a gift from God. Gary’s CD, “By Request,” includes a compilation of songs from his time in both gospel and country music, as well as a few self-penned tunes.

Dawn (Schimpp) Timbs is a Staples native who has sung for years with her family’s gospel group, The Schimpps; and is the founder of the folk group Ruby Boots, featured on Minnesota Public Radio in years past. She is also a songwriter and has been a top 10 finalist at the Big Top Chautauqua singer-songwriter contest in Bayfield, Wisc. She looks forward to debuting a new song or two at the upcoming concert in Staples. In addition to her love of music, Dawn enjoys working as a reporter for the Staples World and accompanist at Motley United Methodist Church.

Still to come on this year’s SM Area Arts Council season are Mikko & Friends, a traditional Irish Pub Band.

For more information, check out the arts council’s website at www.staplesmotleyarts.org.

Tickets for The Feyder/Timbs concert are available online at the arts council’s website; or purchase them by cash or check at the Staples World, located at 224 4th St. NE in Staples. For more information call 218-894-1112.