Meet The Syco Billys
Bruce Carnine - Bass, Vocals
Bruce Carnine, known better as well… just Bruce, started playing music with his grandparents and family at the age of 8. He can play both the bass and the guitar. Before filling in for the Syco Billy’s and getting “hooked,” he played with West Coast Wanted, Showdown, and Triple Creek. He loves the music that the Syco Billy’s Play and had been looking for an opportunity to play with a band that could bring it to life. “Syco music is FUN! I have always liked creating music from other songs, Syco music brings out the creativity in the music.”
Luc Davin - Fiddle, Vocals
Luc has been playing the fiddle since he was 7 years old. He has been a part of many different bands including; Fold Lizards, Burke Ingrafia Group, Cowan Ensemble, and Danger Hill. He Gladly accepted the Syco Billy’s invitation to join the band in 2005. He considers their music to be an “electric” type of Folk and Bluegrass.
Glen Damewood ~ Banjo, Dojo, Vocals
Glen Damewood, also known as Sisco to many, started playing the Banjo when he was 22 years old. At the time he decided he wanted to learn how to play an instrument he couldn’t decide between the fiddle or the banjo. Ultimately a simple coin toss chose the Banjo for him. He also plays the Dojo in the band. Prior to Syco Billy’s and a 20-year break, Glen played with Kenny Peters in a band called Troll Hollow for 13 years as well as with the Pine Street All-stars, Crazy Fingers Band, and a few other collaborations such as the All Meat All-stars, where he was the smallest member at 240 pounds. Glen describes the Syco Billy’s music as “a little bit blue grass, Americana, New Grass, and Syco as Hell, Syco Billy’s is one more thing I need to thank my son Brian for.”
Don Baker- Guitar, Vocals
Don began learning guitar from his father, Henry Baker, a singer and guitarist. Together, they played in a family band during Don’s early school years. As he grew, he joined various bands and performed at high school dances and local events. After graduating, he continued playing with local groups in bars and clubs. In 1994, Don moved to Nashville, where he worked as a studio and touring musician for 10 years. In 2004, he returned to Oregon due to illness and family commitments. Back home, he connected with musicians in the Portland area and performed a wide variety of genres including blues, folk, rock, country, and jazz. Shortly after, Don reunited with his longtime musical friend Glen Damewood. Along with Kenny Peters, they formed the band Syco Billys.
Tristin Thomas - Mandolin, Vocals
While he was given piano and guitar lessons when he was 7, Tristin’s real musical endeavor began at age 13, when he began playing guitar. He has played a variety of instruments, and most recently picked up mandolin to play with the Syco Billy’s.
Tristin grew up in the Roseburg area. He moved to Silverton in 2016 where he was introduced to Glen and his talent was soon discovered. He joined into jam sessions and occasional sub ins with the band and is now an official member.
Tristin is currently working towards his Bachelors in Music and Theatre at Western Oregon University where he is involved in multiple college ensembles. “While college is certainly a great experience, there’s an extra element of creativity that exists when playing with the Syco Billy’s, and it’s an element you don’t find on campus.”