The Nappanees is a primarily acoustic ensemble that Tony Gerber has put together as a vehicle for his new songs utilizing vocals and some instrumentals. This group includes cello player Tom Shinness, trumpet and hand drum by Matt Oakes and electric banjo by Seth Ritter. Kirby Shelstad has joined the group for a few shows also. Gerber primarily uses Bardsong's instruments for this project along with various other acoustic stringed instruments. The name of the band comes from Gerber's hometown, Nappanee, Indiana. Once covered with dense woods and swamps, Nappanee was home to the Miami Indians for over 100 years before the Pottawatamis pushed them out around 1700. The first white settlers came to this area around 1830. The name Nappanee is recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records as the only U.S. city that uses each letter in its name twice. It is an Indian name that means "much flour".
					LISTEN TO the Nappanees in mp3 streaming format at Tony's mp3.com site. Click titles below: Track 1: The Wind Carries Your Song Track 2: Southway Track 3: Ancestors Track 4: Longing
						Photos on this page were taken by Trey Mitchell during the Extravaganza show at the Gibson Cafe in downtown Nashville.