Meet the band
Tonight’s show wouldn’t be possible without this incredible group of musicians bringing every note to life. From rocking guitar solos to soulful keys and driving percussion, this talented crew is the heartbeat of the performance.
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Scroll down to get to know the artists behind the sound—and give them a big round of applause!
KATHY HILL (Piano):
Kathy Hill is a familiar face in the Marion community since 1981 as a piano teacher and accompanist for many performers and shows at the Marion Palace Theatre as well as local schools and churches. From working with a two-time Tony award winner to playing for master classes for the Moscow Ballet, she loves the challenge of each new musical project. Outside of being at the piano, she enjoys sharing time with her husband Ralph and their lab Christian Dior. Kathy is an AVID roller coaster fanatic and is the proud mother to Mally Reber, Ralph Hill IV and Karman Auble. Kathy is the Administrative Assistant for META Solutions and manages the Columbus office.
DAN ERICKSON (Bass):
Dan started his music career with his first paid gig at the age of nine and hasn’t stopped since. He played in a high school rock band when he was in the 7th and 8th grade and in various other groups through Middle school, High school, and College. Post-college included three years on the road playing in nearly every state and beyond. He has played with a few people whose names you would definitely recognize and a lot of others you have never heard of. Locally, Dan played with the John Kennedy Orchestra for the final 12 years of the band’s existence and has been playing in a duo, “Dan & Randy” for nearly 50 years, with an “every Wednesday night” steady run of 38 years on Buckeye Lake. Always endeavoring to be the consummate Side-Man, Dan has been Ryan’s go-to bass player for all of his Palace Theatre shows from “Voices of Vegas” in 2009 through “Piano Man” in 2016. Now, almost 10 years later, he is happy to be another “Habit” that Ryan is “Back In.”
KYLE GOINGS (Drums):
Kyle Goings is an experienced drummer specializing in musicals, jazz, and funk. He started drumming in 6th grade, spending 3 years as a section leader in the Harding High School Marching Band and 4 years drumming in Stardusters and Rufus. In 2023, Goings began playing in various shows and musicals at the Marion Palace Theatre, Rogue Theatrics, and Marion County high schools. His notable shows include Rent, Beauty and the Beast, The Addams Family, The Little Mermaid, and Christmas at the Palace. Goings is currently a woodcarver at Carousels & Carvings, a carousel manufacturer based in Marion.
JOHN MULLINS (Guitar):
John is a multi-instrumentalist working as a musician in various ensembles for over 40 years. His credits include multiple performances in Palace Theatre Productions and opening for National Acts such as Night Ranger, Foghat, Head East, David Gates of Bread, as well as backing (on guitar) the Coasters, Diamond Dave Somerville, and Ryan Ratliff. Currently, you can catch him live with his Band OMEGA KICK, where he handles sound production, lead vocals, bass, and keyboards. Or, you can catch his solo act in which he uses technology to build and layer multiple instruments to create a “one-man-band” experience.
GUY SCHLICHTING (Guitar):
Guy is very honored to be invited by Ryan to join him on stage yet again! He has been active in music projects since the 1970s, starting out on guitar and bass in local rock bands, eventually moving to orchestra pits in the 1990s. He has played for many Palace musicals and has worked on shows with several Central Ohio high schools. You can hear him playing every Sunday morning at First Presbyterian church. He also plays double bass with the Marion Area Orchestra. He and his wife Lynda live in Marion with their dogs Ringeaux and Louis, and their cats Javert and Io. At his day job, Guy is a Software Engineer.
DAWN TAYLOR (Trumpet):
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AARON POLING (Trombone):
Aaron Poling is the current band and choir director at Ridgedale High School. Aaron is a 2018 graduate from Elgin High School and earned his bachelor’s in music education from Bowling Green State University. He enjoys playing trombone in local concert band and orchestra groups as well as playing for pit orchestras in local high schools. Aaron’s most recent performances include playing for shows at Carey High School, New Riegel High School, and for Beauty and the Beast at the Palace Theatre.
BILL SWIHART (Alto Sax):
Bill Swihart graduated from Miami University in 1969, moved to Marion, and began a 35-year career with Marion City Schools teaching instrumental music. He has played in dance bands, Dixieland groups, and other smaller groups around the area. Bill has played almost every show at the Palace that included a pit orchestra and has also joined the pit for local school musicals, as well. He has been the director of the Marion Community Band for 40-plus years! When not playing music, Bill enjoys working at Kings Mill Golf Course and mowing yards around town. In his downtime, he enjoys reading, talking with friends, and visiting with his seven grandchildren.
BOB SPRINGER (Tenor Sax):
Bob started playing at ten years old and was in the high school band by 6th grade. He played in the National FFA Band for 2 years before auditioning for the Air Force Band in 1956 and enlisting. During Bob’s service and Air Force time, he performed with the USAF Airmen of Note (the original Glenn Miller Band), the Four Freshman, Les Paul, Mills Brothers, Bob Crosby and the Bobcats, Jimmy Rogers, the Bob Hope Show in San Antonio, and led the Jazz Big Band for 8 years. Bob retired from the Air Force in 1977 and was a staff Assistant for two high school bands in Ohio, played high school musicals, taught clarinet, sax, and flute, and had a Dixie Band in Florida.
SARA BRAMMER (Violin):
Sara has been playing violin for 42 years. I am very grateful for the opportunity to experience music. My parents planted the seed, and my many instructors and fellow musicians kept it thriving. I'm a Mom to a beautiful daughter named Susan, I have an amazing sister, Molly, and a very special man in my life, Keetai. They are all musicians, and each one supports my love of music in their own way. I have been blessed to be part of many music ensembles in the area, including being a part of the Palace orchestra pit since Fall of 1989. I am excited to join this fine group of friends for this project! Musically, Sara Brammer.
EMILEE IREY and IREY DANCE ACADEMY:
Located in downtown Marion, Ohio, Irey Dance Academy (IDA) offers recreational and pre-professional dance training for students in a nurturing and inspiring environment. Under the direction of Emilee Irey, IDA provides instruction in various dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, and acrobatics. The academy emphasizes proper technique, creativity, and personal growth, aiming to develop not just skilled dancers but confident individuals. IDA is dedicated to spreading joy through dance and fostering a love for the art form in every student.
To learn more please visit IreyDanceAcademy.com
River Deep Mountain High and Never Gonna Not Dance Again Dancers:
Gabby Garrett, Sydney Johnston, Elaina Kruder, Jordynn Mayse, Faith McCants, Norah McClain Braelyn Miller, Jocelynn Pfeiffer, Emy Rick, Kami Sentieri, Nairi Troutman, Kurerra Vernon, Waverly Werling, Aviana Woods