Shilo was established in 1997. Amidst humble beginnings, Shilo performed for small clubs across Northern Indiana and Western Ohio, developing their unique style. In the late 90's Shilo's popularity began to grow, as did the demand for performances. In 1998 and 1999 Shilo's tour schedule averaged about 30 to 40 shows per year. In 2000 the demand pushed them up to between 60 and 75 shows per year. In the addition of dates included some of the largest and well-known country music venues in the area. Along with the club dates, Shilo played numerous community festivals, County Fairs, benefits and private parties and functions. Shilo has also had the privilege to perform with nationally known acts such as, Bill Anderson, Mindy McCready, Michael Johnson,Linda Davis, Phil Vassar, Diamond Rio , Jimmy Wayne. and most recently Joe Nichols. In 2004, Shilo competed in the Colgate Country Showdown. Shilo advanced all the way to the state level, where they competed at the Indiana State Fair ! Shilo finished in second place that day out of all the country music acts in the state. Shilo has gained attention on CMT.com and has made new fans all over the United States ! Shilo continues to grow and looks forward to what the future will bring. Rod Clear: Rod's singing days go back to his high school years in Monticello IN where he sang in his high school choir. After training his voice in school, Rod began his musical career singing in weddings and retirement parties. After moving to Northern Indiana in the early 90's, Rod met Mike, which formed a musical and personal friendship that has lasted well over a decade. Rod is one of the founding members of Shilo, and serves as Shilo's lead singer. Rod has always had one musical goal, and that is to be the best he can be and the best Shilo can be. Some of Rod's musical influences include the Eagles, Clint Black, Travis Tritt, and Tim McGraw.Rod resides in Albion, IN with his lovely wife Kim, daughter Kristin and son Travis. Mike Stoner: When Mike was 6 years old he took his first guitar lesson and hasn't stopped playing since. He later joined his first professional band at the age of 15. Some of his musical influences along the way have been Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, Diamond Rio, & Aerosmith to name a few. Mike and his wife Amy currently reside in his hometown of Cromwell,IN. He is the proud father of two daughters.Mike is one of the original members of SHILO. He plays lead guitar along with mandolin and vocals. "I've always known that music was one of the driving forces in my life. It's like air, water and food for me. And to be able to share that with the many wonderful people we have come into contact with over the years has truly been a blessing. My goal with music is simple. So many performers dream of stardom and riches but I just want to keep exploring music, and learning. And in doing that, I know my music will continue to grow and get better. And the dream is to be able to continue sharing that music with the people, on whatever level, as long as I possibly can." Derek Bowen: Derek began his professional music career at the age of 15 playing drums in a traditional country band. The people dancing , the lights, and good friends playing music together, were just the beginning of his love affair with country music. His musical influences include; Alabama, Charlie Daniels, Steve Miller, Led Zepplin, Miles Davis, Count Basie, and Billy Joel. Derek's philosophy of music is fairly simple...people listen to what they like, and it's a musician's passion to give them exactly that. Country music is more than just a "twangin" guitar or a "high lonesome" sound. It is the very soul of Middle America and will continue to be just that, God willing. Aside from music, the greatest blessings in his world are his wife of 11 years (Danielle) and his two wonderful children Megan (9) and Matthew (7). Derek understands that all of his gifts come from God, and are ultimately granted to him for the glory and service of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Derek is an original member of Shilo and is thrilled to be back again to play some great music for you and be with his friends. He plays Keyboards, Guitar, and sings background vocals. Phil Murphy: Murph was born in Goshen, IN August 24,1949. He started playing string bass in the 6th grade and then joined his first band in the 8th grade. In 1969 his musical carreer was put on hold while he joined the army and didn't play again until 1994. Old friends from his high school got him strumming away again. Then in December of 1999 he joined Shilo playing bass guitar and singing back up vocals. Some of Murphs muscial influences include Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, The Byrds, Eagles, Stevie Ray Von, Beach Boys, Alison Krauss & Union Station. His hobbies include Music, Hot Rod's, Big Busses, and Bass Fishing. He has been married to his lovely wife Nancy for 28 years. They have 4 children and 12 grand children and he claims to be the best Grandpa around. Murph's musical goal is to "play as long as my fingers still move." Travis Gow: Travis first started playing the fiddle at the age of 12. He started playing in the school orchestra but realized that wasn't the kind of music he enjoyed playing. At age 15 he quit and began going to Bluegrass festivals in the area and started "changing his ways". He has since played with many bands on stage including Charlie Lawson and Oak Hill, Grass Creek, and Rural Route. He has also performed many times by himself entertaining for town gatherings. Travis plays fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, dulcimer, harmonica, bass, and a few others. His biggest influence is his dad Bud. "Without him", Travis said, "I wouldn't be doing what I am, and I give thanks to him." Travis married his high school sweetheart Tiffanie. He plans to pursue his dreams of becoming a famous musician with Shilo. Doug Chopson Jr. My passion for playing drums began before I could even talk. I grew up listening to band practice in our house every week, and I couldn't wait until I was old enough to get up there and play. I finally talked my dad into teaching me to play the set when I was 10 years old. It wasn't long after that I took over the drums and Dad switched to Bass while Mom sang lead and played rhythm guitar. I played in every school band I could all the way thru high school including Symphonic band, Pep band, jazz band, marching band, and even the Show Choir. After high school I joined up with my friend's roommate at Ball State and started my first rock band. Since then I have played with a wide variety of bands ranging from Alternative rock, to Heavy metal to country. I am now proud to say that I am the newest member of Shilo. I hope to enjoy many years of making music behind the Shilo cage. If you have not yet seen the cage, you will..... I am 25 years old, and currently reside in Andrews Indiana where I have lived all my life. I live with future music superstar Ethan, (my 2 year old son) and Lizzie, my dog. A Few of my hobbies include Flying, Fishing, Hunting, Skiing and of course, playing music. Thanks for taking the time to read about me, and I'm really looking forward to seeing you all at the show!