THE ORIGINAL RIBTICKLER BAND

Left to right - Jerry Miller, trumpet; Al Adams, tuba; Vic Campbell, drums;
Beryl Balliett, banjo; Connie Kathrein, clarinet; Ken Cooksey, trombone; Rodger Pugh, piano/leader

(Picture taken in Spring 1966 at Adam's Rib Restaurant & Lounge, 777 Lexington Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio)

      During the fall of 1966, the original Ribtickler Band started entertaining patrons at a Restaurant/Lounge in Mansfield called "Adam's Rib".  That is where and how this band got its name.  Ray Sorrick, club manager in 1966, wanted a house band for special occasions patterned after the television series "Mickie Finn's". (That show was a creation of the talented ragtime piano player Fred Finn, and named after Fred's blond, banjo-playing wife.) Back in the day, the wildly popular Ribtickler Band played to three-deep crowds at the Lexington Avenue club until it was sold in 1985.

    This 2012 year will mark the 46th season that the Ribtickler Band has been entertaining, although none of the original musicians remain.  However, the name, their red vests, and happy music have gone on for the pleasure of countless music lovers throughout the north central Ohio area.

    Originally, the 7-piece Ribtickler Band was known as a Dixieland or Ragtime band.  Over the last few years, the Ribticklers have expanded their repertoire to include not only Dixieland but swing, Latin, polkas, waltzes, music of the 50's thru the 70's, Ohio State, patriotic, country, and the "Hymns of Dixie".  From "Muskrat Ramble" to "In The Mood" - from "Margaritaville" to the "Texas Two-Step", this talented group continues to be a crowd favorite.  The Ribticklers now book a 3, 4, 5, or 7-piece group.

    There have been only four band leaders for the Ribtickler Band since 1966.  In order, they have been Rodger Pugh, Fred Switzer, Harry Arter, and currently Ralph Thauvette.

- return to Ribtickler Band Page -