Russ Rentler – Gifted Singer-Songwriter And Multi-Instrumentalist Blending Appalachian Traditions With Folk, Celtic, And Blues Influences

Get ready to be swept away by the vibrant energy and heartfelt stories of Russ Rentler as he takes the stage at Godfrey Daniels! 

A gifted singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Russ blends Appalachian traditions with folk, Celtic, and blues influences, creating a one-of-a-kind musical experience. A founding member of the iconic Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band, alongside legends John Gorka and Richard Shindell, Russ is renowned for his dynamic live performances, featuring seamless instrument changes and humorous anecdotes from his unique journey as a physician-turned-troubadour. Don’t miss an evening of soulful music and captivating storytelling in our intimate listening room!

Russ Rentler
russrentler.com

Russ Rentler started playing stringed instruments with his first ukelele in 5th grade purchased with S+H Green stamps in Dover, NJ. After a brief stint in heavy metal bands in high school, he discovered bluegrass which led to a life-long love of acoustic music.  At his first night at Moravian College, he met John Gorka where they were both playing at an open mic.  

They soon formed The RAZZY DAZZY SPASM BAND, with Doug Anderson and were joined the following year by Rich Shindell on lead guitar. Russ was the mandolin player, John played an incredible 5 string banjo and Doug Andersen provided the solid rock rhythm on his custom-made Froggy Bottom guitars. Tim Germer later joined as a bass player. Throughout all four years of college, they played around the Lehigh Valley centering around Godfrey Daniel's and the southside of Bethlehem, PA.

After college, Russ went to medical school, Doug received a Ph.D., and needless to say, John and Rich went on to well-deserved fame and glory in the folk music world. During his medical training, Russ continued to pursue his passion of acoustic music and picked up hammer and mountain dulcimer,  fiddle, dobro, autoharp, and bouzouki.  He also started building his hammered dulcimers and used his instruments on stage.     

While continuing to practice general internal medicine and geriatrics, Russ played as often as his could at local bookstores, churches, open mics and music festivals. On Mr. Gorka's return trips to the Lehigh Valley and Eastern PA, Russ often joins him on stage to play backup mandolin. In 2007, Russ played mandolin on John's DVD, a "Gypsy Life" accompanied by Michael Manring on bass, recorded in UCLA's Colbert Hall.     

In 2016, Russ retired from medical practice. This has finally allowed him to pursue his life-long dream and passion of performing original and traditional music.  He counts Bob Dylan, John McCutcheon and Walt Michaels as major influences in his style.  His live performances are a mix of folk, celtic and blues-inspired tunes with multiple instrument changes interspersed with his off-beat humor and  wry observations about life that keep the audiences coming back for more.