Two professors start Blues band

After a decade of playing, local blues band Deadwood is far from dead.

Ten years ago when Clifton "Cliftone" Kreps, professor of classics and chair of the department of classical and modern languages, started the band with fellow musician Ian Lindevald, professor of physics and chair of the physics department, he wasn't sure if the band would last. However, Kreps said that after the group's first two concerts he and Lindevald knew they wanted more.

"We just had so much fun doing those first two shows that we decided to keep going," Kreps said.

The band has seen a lot of changes since it began. Kreps, a guitarist, vocalist and writer for the band, said the most noticeable changes have been with personnel.

"We've had a number of students in the band over the years," Kreps said. "Medical students from KCOM, local guys, professors, spouses and children of faculty members, you name it. More than one person has sought us out. A saxophone player showed up at my doorstep on a motorcycle asking to audition. A keyboard player called me once to tell me I needed him. One of the best parts of the whole experience for me has been the number and variety of musicians who have come through the band."

Along with shifts in members, the band's choice of venues and number of shows has changed over the years as well.

Kreps said the band has moved away from a commercial approach toward shows, which offers the group more independence. Although the band doesn't make as much money, the loss is made up for with peace of mind, Kreps said.

"We've always had to kind of finesse whether it's professional or recreational," he said. "The recreational part is more and more important to me. I'm not out there to affect the marketplace or gain popularity so much. I'm focusing more on the activity as an outlet for my own needs, a way to improve my psychic health."

Kreps isn't alone in his views. Lindevald, who plays Bass for the group, said the key to the group's success has been in the shared camaraderie more than in any desire for fame.

"It's enjoying, learning and making music," Lindevald said. "What makes it interesting is that we grow. We do different things as time goes on. We evolve and change. We give ourselves new challenges."

Kreps and Lindevald are the only two band members who have been with the group from the beginning.

"We're sort of the heart of the band," Lindevald said. "We've been in the band together the whole time."

Other current members of the band include John Hitzel, Rebecca Murphy, Jonathan Vieker and Adam Yanick.

Murphy, a Kirksville resident, joined the band in September. She performs vocals for the group.

"I love it," Murphy said. "I absolutely love it. It's one of the best things I've ever done."

Murphy said she thinks the combination of friendship and music has been the key to the group's lasting power.

"I love the singing, but I love the camaraderie, too," Murphy said. "It makes everybody feel good, and it's something different from just being a physics professor or a classical language professor or a special [education] teacher. It's a fun thing to do that's not what you do all the time every day."

With 10 years of experience, Deadwood still is going strong, Kreps said.