Author: Todd Collins

In May 2022, I shared my 10+ years of research on historic New Orleans music related buildings and addresses with radio station WWOZ’s A Closer Walk page.
https://acloserwalknola.com

They have done a terrific job with the layout, history, photos and maps. It is my small contribution to the preservation of historic New Orleans music sites.

Please visit the site and take a historical walk when in New Orleans.

Red Oak Trio

Just like an oak tree, the Red Oak Trio has deep roots. Their repertoire is a wide variety of American ‘Roots’ Music from old time string band and bluegrass to honky-tonk, blues and swing. The Red Oak Trio has deep roots as musical collaborators for many years playing clubs, events and concert venues.

Fiddler and guitarist Dave Rimelis has grown up playing ‘roots’ music early on with his father, country singer Idaho Ed. He has toured the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, China and the Middle East. His versatility ranges from fiddle contests to Latin ensembles. Dave is a renowned composer where his music can be heard on feature films, national TV and orchestras around the world. Currently, he serves as artist-in-residence for the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Professor of Jazz at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Todd Collins plays guitar, mandolin and banjo with the Red Oak Trio. He has performed throughout the U.S. in a variety of styles and settings. His recordings have received national and international airplay. He is the author of several books on mandolin including a ‘best seller’ for Mel Bay Publishing titled “Monroe Instrumentals”. Todd is a professor at County College of Morris in Randolph, N.J. where he teaches American ‘Roots’ Music, recording classes and lessons on guitar, banjo and mandolin.

Bassist Todd Lanka is one of N.J.’s most respected and sought-after electric and upright ‘roots’ and rock bassists who can add something incredibly special to the mix. A graduate of William Paterson’s Jazz Program, his impressive resume includes working with singer/songwriters Steve Forbert and Brian Molnar, Jake Mosca & the Travelers Rockabilly band and The High Bridge Low Boys Bluegrass Band. He is also a prominent classical cello, double-bass and guitar instructor in Hunterdon County, N.J.

Together the Red Oak Trio is deep-rooted in experience and expertise that is evident in their rousing performances.