Wayne Rice

Lighthouse

For about 25 years (1991-2016), I played in a San Diego bluegrass band called Lighthouse. Alas, we had to break up because one of our band members moved far away and the rest of us just got … old. But it was sure a lot of fun while it lasted!

ucsd

 

At Huck Finn's Jubilee with special guest Ron Block (of Alison Krauss' band) on banjo
At Huck Finn’s Jubilee with special guest Ron Block (of Alison Krauss & Union Station) on banjo
In our "western" garb, 2005
In our “western” garb, 2005

We recorded a CD in 2006 with some of our favorite songs on it. We no longer have any actual CD’s left to sell but if you would like to download a digital copy from CD Baby, click here. It is also available from iTunes or Amazon. Be sure to type in “Lighthouse: A California Bluegrass Band” if you’re doing a web search.

Comments

11 responses to “Lighthouse”

  1. richard mcewen (dobro) Avatar
    richard mcewen (dobro)

    hi wayne, im still here in green valley az.. lets keep in contact. i have a bass player @ need a guitar-vocalist. any ideas in toucson area. were into country-bluegrass. regards, r.mcewen

    Reply
  2. Marcus Gardner Avatar
    Marcus Gardner

    Are you one of the former members of the popular group Blue Skies that played in San Diego in the late 70s and 80s? Well, you guys were HOT. Boy, that takes me “back to the day” when Blue Skies rocked out on the riverboat Reuben E. Lee on Harbor Island. I remember it being the best place in town for dancing and entertainment, and you had to wait in line to get in the place on Friday and Saturday nights! You guys were GOOD! The drummer was very entertaining to say the least, and the vocalist, Tina was beautiful and I’ve wondered if she went on to record or what? My wife was always a little jealous of her and accused me of staring. actually, I think she said I was leering. I wasn’t, of course. We were there to dance and close the place and on special occasions, have a great steak dinner. Thanks for the memories, BLUE SKIES!

    Reply
    1. Wayne Rice Avatar
      Wayne Rice

      Hi Marcus,
      While two of our band members (Noel Taggart and Kim Weeks) played with a bluegrass band called Blue Skies back in the 80’s, I don’t think they ever played Friday and Saturday nights at the Reuben E. Lee, or had a drummer, or a girl singer named Tina. You may be thinking of a different band. Sorry.
      All the best,
      Wayne

      Reply
  3. Virgil Johnson Avatar
    Virgil Johnson

    Hey Wayne, I am trying to contact Kim Weeks. I think he changed his email address. Could you forward this to him. Would much appreciate it. By the way; Where can I find a copy of “Bringing Mary Home” by the Dillards?

    Virgil Johnson.

    Reply
  4. Suzanne J Scott Avatar
    Suzanne J Scott

    Hi!
    I wonder if you ever play in los Angeles area I would love to come.
    Also, do you know of any bluegrass gospel bands that play in a church here. I live in Torrance, CA.
    thank you!
    suzanne

    Reply
  5. Timothy Henry Avatar
    Timothy Henry

    I’m not sure if you played on the radio in the late 1970’s. I lived in California up till I was about 5 and I heard a song that was wonderful, but I only remember a phrase. I’ve listened to your music as I like bluegrass and I enjoy Dr. David Jeremiah. The song was upbeat and from what I heard it is not blue skies or Mr. blue sky.
    The phrase is “I see the new skies, blues skies….” and also ” …heaven above..” I believe and perhaps sky instead of skies. The new skies and blue skies are drawn out. Great music

    Reply
    1. Wayne Rice Avatar
      Wayne Rice

      Timothy,
      Sorry but the song lyrics you mention don’t ring a bell for me. I don’t think our band every sang that particular song.,
      Wayne Rice

      Reply
  6. William McMorrow Avatar
    William McMorrow

    Proud to be known as their #1 “groupie”, many a night you’d find me at the Reuben E Lee restaurant for “last call”. BLUE SKIES was the greatest and you’d be lucky to get in the place Friday or Saturday night for years. The drummer, Alan Brenemann was a kick, his bro, Jim (guitar) was an amazing singer. I too, was in love with Tina, the lead vocalist. She was beautiful and never have heard a more beautiful and versatile voice. Did I mention she was gorgeous, too?

    Reply
  7. Tom Walker Avatar
    Tom Walker

    Hi Wayne;
    I have a very good friend that was in the Navy with one of the old band members of yours. I want to say that his name was Rick. He was in the Navy with my friend Tom Carpenter Master Chief. Tom is coming to town next week and he would like to try and see him if he is still here locally. If this is correct I can give you Tom’s cell number. Both are getting up there in age and it would be a real treat for both,

    Reply
    1. Wayne Rice Avatar
      Wayne Rice

      Tom,
      I will make sure Rick (Kirby) gets a copy of your message and hopefully he will be responding to you and to your friend Tom Carpenter. I’m glad you found us!

      Reply
  8. Barbara Schroeder Avatar
    Barbara Schroeder

    Hi Wayne,

    Just was playing you record for our daughter who came to visit. Still so enjoy hearing you and your group — how great to bring such joy and fun all through one’s life:) Hope you and all your family are doing so well:)

    Thank you so much,
    Your great admirers,
    Chuck and Barbara Schroeder

    Reply

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