Band Bio: The Cragars

     The Cragars were first formed in 2006 when Lowell Rickard Jr. and Monty Leiser realized their shared musical interests. Lowell named the band after the famous Cragar rims that were extremely popular throughout the 70’s, the decade where most of our cover material originated. The original trio consisted of Lowell on lead guitar, Monty on drums, and Lowell’s cousin Phil Stahowik on bass guitar.  As young men still in their teens, the band looked to their parents for help in getting started. Lowell Rickard Sr. and Richard Leiser (founder of Night Rider Band) were very instrumental in helping the band find their sound, arranging practice gigs, and providing equipment and general performance knowledge.

     After several months of practicing in family garages or basements, mastering  a repertoire of various cover songs, as well as a few originals (written by Lowell), the band played their first paid gig (for tips) at Higher Grounds coffee house in Chippewa Falls. Among all of the family and friends in attendance that night was Randy Nye Jr, the son of Randy Nye Sr who owns Last Call bar in Cadott. This connection helped the band book their first official gigs at Last Call.  The band would perform at Last Call almost exclusively for the first year. The band is forever grateful for the opportunity given to them by Randy Jr. and Randy Sr.  The Cragars expanded to more bars around the Chippewa Valley as well as private parties and small town festivals through word-of-mouth connections. 

     In the fall of 2009, Monty’s dad passed away unexpectedly which resulted in a long break for the band. After several months the band re-emerged.  Soon after, Phil decided to leave the band. Enter Ben Knitter (Simply Stated) as new bass guitarist, the youngest and most energetic member of the band who had played both bass and guitar previously. By spring of 2010 drummer Jon Goin (Party Boy, My Device) was recruited as one of the area’s top drummers, and Monty made the switch to rhythm guitar. The band played two more years with Jon on drums, Lowell on lead guitar, and Ben and Monty switching between bass and rhythm guitar. Over this time the band diversified their material, learning a wider variety of songs. Don Nelson, Institute of Production and Recording (IPR) graduate, joined the band full time as a permanent sound man. The new more expanded Cragars continued to enjoy playing local bars and festivals and also began traveling beyond the Chippewa Valley for gigs more frequently.

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n 2012, Lowell decided to leave the band, with Monty remaining as the only original member. After a brief stint with Ben taking over lead guitar duties, the band was in search for a new lead guitarist. After a few auditions the band was happy to welcome Tony Schauf (Sweet Action) as their new lead guitarist. Tony brought a new energy to the band and stuck with the guys for just over a year and played some of the band’s most-well attended and best-received gigs to date.

     In early 2013 the band was once again in search for a lead guitarist. After another audition period the band was excited to find Jason Chambers (Big Tuna) to fill the void at lead guitar. Jason also brought a lot of new material to the table including some original music. On approximately two weeks’ notice, Jason was able to play a full weekend with the band at O’Leary’s Pub in Eau Claire, a regular gig for the band. At this time, Ben was mostly playing rhythm guitar. Monty moved again to play bass full time. 

     Over the next 2 years Ben, Monty, Don, Jason, and Jon enjoyed playing some of the area’s best live music venues as well as some new festivals, including, most notably, “Northwoods Rock Rally” in Glen Flora. In early 2015 Ben decided to leave the band. The Cragars were again in search of a guitarist. Over months of practice and debate, the band decided to move forward as a three piece:  Jason on lead, Monty on Bass, and Jon on drums with Don continuing as production specialist.  In the summer of 2015 the band was very excited to be invited to “Rock Fest” in Cadott, which immediately became one of the band’s favorite shows and helped them gain a new level of exposure.

     This summer the band looks forward to welcoming a new little Cragar to the world as Jason and Melissa Chambers are expecting a baby!  The band also has some exciting shows lined up, including a Friday slot at Country Fest in Cadott!

     After ten exciting years, The Cragars continue to perform regularly in the local music scene, entertaining audiences wherever they go. Find The Cragars live and join the party!