Contact Us:  crystalrivertrio@gmail.com

The Crystal River Trio

From the moment The Crystal River Trio takes the stage, it’s obvious that these guys have more in common than just the music, they are close personal friends… a fact that comes across in their performances.  The group magically weaves through a diverse program of Irish Ballads, Sea Shanties, Calypso, oldies and folk music, using a combination of history and humor to tie it all together into an evening of fun, laughter, education and great entertainment.

“Great Stuff…”  Tom Martin Erickson

“Simply Folk” Wisconsin Public Radio

Gary  Arndt  Co-founded “Crystal River” in 1981 with former member Robert “Bob” Sandlin.  Gary has always been an avid lover of folk and Irish music. A talent show, while he was in high school, gave Gary his first onstage opportunity. A self-taught guitarist Gary went on to teach himself the Mandolin, Irish Bouzouki, Ukulele, 5 String Banjo, Tenor Banjo, Tenor Guitar and Harmonica. Gary has been onstage ever since.  Gary say’s “The first time I heard the Clancy Brothers, The Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul and Mary, I knew that was the kind of music I wanted to play. Music is and will always be a very important and driving force in my life.

Peter  Bartman  joined Crystal River in 1987 creating the trio.  Peter joined the group bringing with him a solid background in music. Gary say’s “Peter is the one that can go to the piano and tell us just what note we should be singing for our harmony parts to work.  Jay and I play by ear.”   Peter sings lead and low harmony. Pete plays the bass, bodhran, Penny Whistle and occasionally the fiddle.  Peter is the groups historian and researches the majority our music.

Jay  Smudde  A self-taught guitarist in 1975.  Playing both six and twelve string guitar, Jay also plays Banjo, Mandolin.  Playing both lead and rhythm, Jay adds a lot to the versatility of the group. Jay joined the Crystal River Trio in 1997.  Gary says “Jay has been a real nice addition to Crystal River,” referring to Jay’s ability to sing lead, high and low harmony.  Peter adds, “Jay brings a lot of youthful energy to us two old folkies, bringing songs from the Eagles and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.”

The following folks have had some nice things to say about us…..

“a lot of us grew-up in the sixties and cut our teeth on the music of Peter, Paul and Mary

and the Kingston Trio.”  Later… as we became ‘experts’ on folk music (or so we thought)

we diverged. Listening to The Crystal River Trio is to remember… and to be informed…

how Hootenanny music was invented… and why!.

John Gilmour – Gilmour Brothers Music

“Fabulous all-around showman. Professional in every aspect of the word. Their performance

alongside the Kingston Trio was rated exceptional by the entire audience.”

Gillian Palfery – Chief Coordinator

Easter Seals Concert Committee

“Their performance was the highlight of our concert”

Pat Conden

Harmony VII Peace Concert Coordinator

“Those guys are absolutely great”

Nick Reynolds

The Kingston Trio

“Crystal River Trio is a wonderful and entertaining group and it has been my pleasure to have them onstage with me”

Judy Collins

Singer / Song Writer

the Crystal River Trio

It has been our pleasure to appear at many locations throughout Wisconsin, here are just a few:

Grand Opera House – Touring Artist Series - Oshkosh, WI. - Featured Act

Easter Seals Concert – Appleton, WI

With the Kingston Trio

Grand Opera House – Oshkosh, WI

With Judy Collins

Wisconsin Log Jam – Wausau, WI. 

With Judy Collins

Harmony VII  Sister Cities, Peace Concert, Lawrence University Chapel  

Lawrence University coffee house

Oshkosh State University

Appleton Saint Patty’s Day - Paper Valley's Grand Ballroom

McGuinness Pub – Appleton, WI

Patty’s Irish Pub – Milwaukee, WI

Sunset Dinner and Concert Cruises – Gills Rock, WI

Shawano Folk Festival

Sister Bay Folk Festival

Oshkosh Sawdust Days -  

Paine Art Center and Gardens

Porch Fest -  Appleton, WI

Supper Clubs

High Cliff, The Mariner, The Hiding Place, The Red Fox, Chuter's, Michaels, Holiday Inn,

Pioneer Convention Center, Paper Valley, Marks East Side, Jacks or Better, Georges Steak House

Country Clubs

Butte De Mortis CC, Riverside CC, High Cliff CC,

North Shore CC, River View CC

Area Schools

Appleton West HS, Appleton East HS, Xavier HS,

Neenah HS, Kaukauna HS, Freedom HS, Menasha HS

Assisted Living Community's 

Renaissance, Reniss,  Copper Stone, Evergreen, Aspire, Eagle Point, The Residence, Touchmark,

Ridgeview Highlands, Primrose

Please feel free to listen to the following short music clips.  These will give you a feel of our type of music, style and harmony.

We will be appearing at the following locations. 

Appleton Retirement Community, Packard St. March 28, 2025    2 PM start

Thompson Center, Appleton, W., April 18, 2025   1 PM start

Neenah Public Library, Neenah, WI.  Sunday Feb. 16, 2025  2 PM.

Primrose Retirement Community, Appleton, WI, Thursday, March 13, 2025  1:30 PM  (Irish)

Reniss  on Florida Ave, Appleton Wi. Monday March 17, 2025. 1:30 start at Building 1 and 3:15 start at building 2.  (Irish)

Thompson Center on Lourds Ave.  April 14.  1 PM start

Aspire Senior Living of Kimberley WI.  April 16.  2:30 start

Reniss  on Florida Ave, Appleton Wi. Friday, June 20, 2025. 1:30 start at Building 1 and 3:15 start at building 2.  (Folk & Bluegrass)

Email us at:   crystalrivertrio@gmail.com