The Dale Inskeep Band

Speaking of believing, “I believe in music,” those were some of the words in one of Dale Inskeep and his band’s new original songs they played at the High Tide Inn in Charleston last Saturday night. The band, consisting of: Dale, front man and rhythm guitar; David Ford, lead guitar; Carmen Matthews, bass; and Tom Beckstrom, drums, has been performing at the Charleston venue for four years.

It was a warm and fuzzy evening, getting an unexpected chance to take a breather and drink a beer while listening to a few songs recently recorded on Inskeep’s latest CD, Three Hands on the Wheel, released in November. A little girl bebopped in her seat to “I get tired of the cold” and the aforementioned song Dream Every Time [I believe in music, I believe in life] is one of those ballads that can bring tears to your eyes if you really listen.

- http://www.southcoastgig.com/2009/12/02/

By Jo Rafferty, Staff Writer

Dale Inskeep believes music can offer more than enjoyment.
It can be the draw at fundraising events for community organizations, he said.
Inskeep, the leader of a local band for more than three years, became a coach for the Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Coos Bay Coast League for the first time this year. His son, Zack, 10, is on the team.
The last four weeks, the Dale Inskeep Band, which plays at the High Tide Café in Charleston every Thursday, has contributed its tip jar earnings — about $200 — toward the league. The café also donated $500 to the team.
On Saturday, the band, which plays original surf-style country music, will perform at a league benefit concert at Roger’s Zoo in North Bend.
“We want people there,” Inskeep said. “We’ll have a baseball bucket by the door and we’ll pass it around a couple times.”
Coos Bay Coast League President Andy Post said the band’s support means a lot.
“We’re reaching out to the whole community to get the kids out playing, especially when times are tough right now and some kids can’t afford to play,” Post said.
The Barview Area Charleston Area Park Association field off Libby Lane is where the team practices and where the league’s minor home games will be played. This is the first year an official team has practiced there.
BACAPA President Dave Richards said a lot of sweat has gone into the field since he began working on the project in 1992, and he appreciates Inskeep’s help.
“It doesn’t seem like a lot, but there’s so many little things we need,” Richards said. “He’s been a huge boost to us.”
Last weekend, the Dale Inskeep Band played at a benefit for the Lighthouse School at the Broadway Theater in Coos Bay. The band performs at events including Octoberfish, an annual benefit for families of fishermen, Smart Reading events and the annual oyster feed for the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology in Charleston.
“It’s been really neat to do that,” Inskeep said. It’s giving back to the community and at the same time to be able to share original music with others is always a joy.” - The World Newspaper

Schoolmaster by day, bandleader by night, Dale Inskeep gives students a reason to arrive on time
Dale Inskeep divides his time between his musical career and working as principal of Bunker Hill Elementary School.

But his two avocations are not as different as you’d think. It’s just the size and ages of his fans.

Inskeep’s fans range from 5-year-olds through adults.

Every weekday morning, the 42-year-old puts on an interactive show for his students in grades kindergarten through four. Every Thursday night, he and his musical group, the Dale Inskeep Band, perform at the High Tide Café in Charleston.

What gives a guitarist and vocalist the energy to do all of that?

“Music, it’s very much taken for granted,” said Inskeep, who began playing the violin in fourth grade, quickly followed by an interest in guitar.

“It’s not a special deal,” he said. “To play the guitar — it’s just something you do. That’s what I hope with these guys (the kids), to put music in their lives.”

On a typical morning at Bunker Hill, at 7:45 the halls are filled with children standing in rows. Inskeep leads the way into the cafeteria, where the kids stand in another line to get their breakfasts. But unlike other schools, some students walk around with guitars strapped on their backs, waiting to take their places on stage next to Inskeep. Kids begin to take their seats on the noisy gymnasium floor. This is the time Inskeep calls “organized chaos.”

“Day-o,” he sings as he plays the guitar. “Six and seven and eight and jump.”

On cue, the 100 students or more students leap. They do the Hokey Pokey, then sit for a quieter song.

After a recent show, two second-grade girls talked about the music while they were cleaning up tables.

“I like it because you can dance to it,” said 8-year-old Sierra Vandre.

“He’s really good at it and this school is just really great, and it’s really fun,” said Toni Kralicek, 7.

Since Inskeep initiated morning music time when he became principal five years ago, he said fewer students arrive late to school.

“It’s a great way to start the day, for kids and grownups,” Inskeep said.

Inskeep just released his fifth CD, “Three Hands on a Wheel,” that he recorded with his current band, consisting of Dave Ford on guitar, Tom Beckstrom on drums and Carmen Matthews on bass, who have been together for more than a year.

“It’s kind of neat because it’s different than other stuff I’ve done,” Inskeep said. “Even though we were in a studio, we get to hear how we sound live.”

Almost all of his songs are originals and about 50 of them have been recorded now. He calls his style of music “surf country,” and he plays the violin and mandolin during some of his songs.

He also divides his time between his family — his wife, Dayna, a first-grade teacher at Bunker Hill, 14-year-old daughter, Kelsey, and son, Zach, 10 — and his love of stand-up paddle surfing.

Standing in the school gymnasium in his cowboy boots on Tuesday, he said he’s doing exactly what he wants to be doing, and where he wants to be doing it.

“I spend a lot of time in the ocean, surfing,” Inskeep said. “I love playing. I love coming to school with the kids. I love Coos Bay.”
- The World Newspaper