WYLIE'S BIOGRAPHY
Wylie Gustafson is an American original. The native Montanan singer/songwriter has recorded 24 albums backed by over 3 decades of performing around the world. He remains distinct in country music as one of the few authentic voices of the genre. Wylie’s muse is the empty sprawl of his native Montana home where he crafts the words and music that reflect his life on the 4th generation family ranch.
For over the last 33 years, he and his band, The Wild West, have performed their refreshing blend of cowboy, western, and traditional country. They are hugely popular on the festival and theatre circuit. Stateside, they have performed at such prestigious venues as the National Folk Festival, MerleFest, the Bumbershoot Festival, The Stagecoach Festival, A Prairie Home Companion, The Conan O’Brien Show and the Grand Ole Opry (with over 50 guest appearances).
BAND MEMBERS
TIM LASHLEY
Born and raised in the Black Hills of Western South Dakota, Home of Western American Poet, Charles Badger Clark, Tim has had the opportunity to play and tour with a variety of bands in Montana and South Dakota over the years. His father, Joe Lashley, a drummer and South Dakota Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, was a big influence on Tim and his country music roots. Tim currently resides in Helena MT with his wife Rika and sons Sam and Max. Tim is known as the “Dancing Drummer” and brings out his passion, energy, and love for traditional country music and playing the drums
whenever he performs.
CLAYTON PARSONS
A Great Falls, Montana native who is a third-generation guitar player, Clayton is a direct heir to the classic and tasteful “golden era” country guitar sounds of the 50’s and 60’s. His grandparents Ralph Parsons (guitar) and Betty Parsons (upright piano) played together in the thriving Great Falls music scene of the 50s-80s. Clayton’s father, Carl Parsons, considered by his peers to be one of the best classic honky-tonk pickers in Montana, began playing professionally in the early 70s and continues to play classic country music today. At the age of 19, Clayton set up an amp on stage; he’s been playing professionally ever since.
JOHN SPORMAN
Hailing from New Jersey, John has been playing music coast to coast professionally for 30 years. Ending up in Montana, he has made his mark as one of its top players to get the call. Marinating in music composition as well, he has gone on to compose for numerous theatrical, dance, and live film scoring projects in the state. In between touring nationally, John recently started a violin luthier business. Studying and practicing the art of violin family lutherie for the last 10 years, he enjoys the refurbishment, restoration, and repairs of these fine instruments. He is honored to be a part of The Wild West and looks forward to seeing you out there as this band spreads its cowboy culture around the globe.
"Wylie and the Wild West are a show band, famous for multiple encores - the band you want to see close the show!"
Heber City Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Buckaroo Fair