In 1993 Don formed the first incarnation of Tané mainly as a vehicle to perform his original compositions. The band performed in numerous venues in Northern New South Wales. After numerous changes in personnel Tané, the band now consisted of Don Ruttan, Roy Geiger, Phil Ashworth, Damini, Liz Ridley and Angela Orvis. Tané were invited to the National Folk Festival in 1996 where they performed with distinction a series of concerts. It was shortly after the highs of releasing the band’s debut album The Havens that their lead singer Damini was killed in a light plane accident outside of Byron Bay. Tané performed only a few more gigs before deciding to take a break to regroup later with a new line-up which included Jo Savins on lead vocals, synth and whistle as well as Peter Lane on Bass guitar. This lineup performed locally as well as recording for the N.C.E.I.A Dolphin Awards where they were a finalist in the Folk category. They were very well received in their series of three concerts at the last Lismore Folk Festival. This lineup of Tané continued for a year until Jo Savins left to get married and relocated to Sydney. Again Don felt the need to take some time off to work on other projects. In 2003 Don contacted Roy and Phil to begin the process of reforming the band as a trio. . Tané then rehearsed weekly for three months working on old material as well as Don’s new compositions before being joined by vocalist Christine Lee. Kate Gittens joined in early 2004 and the present lineup was complete. Tané have been recording a new CD in Byron Bay at the S.A.E. College. The new CD will be released shortly and will be available from CD Baby