From Wyoming to Nashville via Saratoga

Dreams really do come true, and Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers band can attest to it. On Saturday night, April 22, this group of performers walked onto the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. An institution that represents country music at its finest. An invitation to perform takes hard work and dedication and is considered a high honor.

Chancey started the Younger Brothers Band with Travis DeWitt in November 1998 in Moorcroft, Wyoming. Things have changed over the years and so have the band members.

The band members now include Brooke Latka of Casper playing the fiddle, Jay Downing of Loveland, and Dale Hieb the drummer is from Fargo.  Casey, the other guitar player is a "roving fisherman living out of his van", according to Wyatt Springsteen, the lead guitar in the band. Wyatt is from Saratoga and joined the Younger Brothers band after his brother Gabe lost his life in an automobile accident. Gabe had been playing in the band for a few years, and after his passing, Williams called Wyatt and asked him if he wanted to be in the band because they were putting together another record.

Wyatt said it was exciting and nerve-wracking walking down the artist's entrance at the Opry because it's like hallowed ground. "The coolest part was meeting all the house musicians and the stage people. There's a lady that has been there for 30 or 40 years and her name is Lemonade. She makes lemonade for everyone backstage, and it was delicious." Wyatt said that many of the band security officers have been there a long time too, and they do special stuff for the first-time, new artists giving them posters and other items. Wyatt's mom, Leslie, and his Uncle were able to attend the performance, along with some of Chancey's relatives.

Wyatt played his Stonetree guitar made by Scott Platts. Wyatt's dad, Bob, was a member of the Rimrock band with Scott Platts, Len Allen and Joe Parrie, and his mom, Leslie, taught music for many years in the Saratoga schools.