Biography
Providing the gospel message in song, Second Chance Bluegrass is made up of four musically versatile members in which each of them can play multiple instruments and switch vocal parts on their songs. Randy Dally, a charter member, of Welcome, NC is an accomplished mandolin player who sings lead, baritone and bass. Randy’s rich vocals have an edge that gives it an unmistakable sound. Jon Essick, a charter member as well, is a veteran vocalist and musician, currently serving as the Praise and Worship leader at his home church of Bethesda UMC. Originally from Welcome, NC, Jon toured the Southern Gospel circuit extensively with The Welcomaires during in the 1990’s and made the transition to high bluegrass tenor singing in 2002 with Second Chance, where he also plays the standup bass. Tom Hyatt, five-string banjo player of Welcome, NC, is highly respected as a premier melodic style banjo player. He provides bass and baritone vocals on several songs to compliment his virtuosity on the banjo. Randy Shumaker, of Welcome, NC, provides the majority of the lead singing and rhythm guitar for the group. Joining Second Chance in 2006 as the banjo player, Randy also sang and played with The Faithful Servants and The Sounds of Joy during the 1990’s.
Randy was diagnosed with lymphoma in January of 2008 and is undergoing treatment at this time. Randy is dedicated to making all of the concert dates on the schedule, including February 28th; however, the group is prepared to make all of its dates as Jerry Tysinger, a charter member of the group, has agreed to step in during Randy’s hospital stay in April. Jerry Tysinger, also of Welcome, NC, plays the guitar and is a very talented vocalaist. Also filling in for Randy from time to time will be Jon Wolfe from King, NC, Danny Bowers of Winston Salem, NC and Tom Cecil of Thomasville, NC. Randy Shumaker plans to return to the group in June following his treatments.