Bruce Baldyga (Guitar, Lead Vocals) Bruce is the founder of Charter Oak Bluegrass. He always had a love for music. As a youth, his biggest heroes were the Everly Brothers,  Ricky Nelson, Del Shannon and the Beach Boys. In 1980 he  became interested in and began playing bluegrass music after attending local festivals. He then purchased his first and only Martin guitar. 
In 1981, he began singing and was strongly influenced by Jimmy Martin, Red Allen and Charlie Whaller. His first bluegrass band was Mountain Echo, which played primarily parties and local watering holes from 1982 to 1986.  
In 1988, he formed Tobacco Valley, which regularly played area festivals through 1993. In 1997, Charter Oak Bluegrass was formed, with a greater emphasis put on developing three- and four-part harmonies. "One of my greatest thrills in my bluegrass career was while on a business trip to Tokyo, Japan.  One evening while at a  local bluegrass parlor, called Rocky Top, and  after learning that I was from the United States and in a bluegrass band, they  invited me up on stage.  There they handed me a pre-war Martin guitar and in so many words said, "go for it".  I had a ball playing with some really talented Japanese bluegrass musicians and sharing a true love for the music." David "Jake" Jacobson (Mandolin, Baritone Vocals) I grew up with music.  My father, Oscar "Ozzie" Jacobson, had one of the first bluegrass bands in Connecticut, known as "The Higby Mountain Boys".  He played with the likes of Harold Gates, John Bastura, Teddy Chez, and Connecticut's proclaimed bluegrass father, Tom Prue.  At age 9, my Dad encouraged me to take violin lessons and by age 11, I played my first bluegrass song, "Maple Sugar", on the radio with my Dad on the Ma Martin Roundup Show.  After his death in 1963, I picked up his guitar and upright bass and taught myself to play his songs. In 1969 I joined a local rock n' roll band called "LARD" and played with them until 1971, however, I never could let go of my bluegrass roots. Then my longtime friend, Bruce Baldyga, phoned and wanted to start a bluegrass band and invited me to join.  I jumped at the chance!  So began Mountain Echo.  Trying to be like my idol, Bill Monroe, I played mandolin with a cheap Ventura.  After Harold Gates' death in 1990, I was given his Model A Gibson 1923 Snakehead mandolin to play. I was with Bruce's band Tobacco Valley then. It's the same mandolin I play today with Charter Oak Bluegrass.  Boy, it barks! I also tinker around with the fiddle playing the old favorites --  Golden Slippers and Orange Blossom Special.  In 2000, I married my very first girlfriend, Janet.  She is Charter Oak's staunchest ally and sharpest critic.  She can be heard at jams harmonizing with Bruce. I guess you can say, "the music's in me"!  Give me a jam and I'll be there! Kenny Sekcenski (Banjo, Sound Engineer) I always liked the sound of the banjo and always wanted to learn to play, so, about 13 years ago my wife bought me a simple Sears banjo for Christmas. However she also gave me a gift certificate for lessons. As it turned out, they were with Mike Digeorgio. (Veteran bluegrass banjo player!) That’s how it all started. I studied for several years with him, then practiced on my own with books and tapes. I play 'Scruggs pickin' style' banjo and really enjoy the crispness and drive of his style. I also enjoy J.D. Crowe.  My wife and I joined the “Bluegrass Family” about 10 years ago, going to as many festivals as possible, jamming with the best of them and my love for the music has grown to huge proportions. I was eager to join the band and learn from them, and still do! Oh yes, I did get a new Gibson RB 250 banjo! 
  Yvonne Sekcenski (Upright Bass) I am a “late Bloomer” to both Bluegrass and playing a musical instrument! The first time I heard the music was when my husband Ken decided he wanted to play banjo about 12 years ago. After hearing him practice daily the music began to grow on me. So, about nine years ago I decided to join in on the fun and began playing the bass. With the help, encouragement and support of my new-found friends, I learned a few chords and was able to play along with simple songs. My love for the instrument grew as well as the love of the hard drive and sweet soul of bluegrass music. When the concept of forming a band arose, I jumped in with both feet! I have been with the band since its beginning, playing a solid, simple bass line that helps keep the band rolling along. When I play I sometimes get a “little” carried away with the beat and start to “wiggle” a bit. Hence, I have the nickname of “The Wiggling Bass Player” from the other band members! I encourage anyone at any age to learn a musical instrument. It’s a lot of fun, and you never know, you might be able to join a great band as I did!  Janet Jacobson (Vocals) A new member to join Charter Oak Bluegrass rounds off the group with her sweet and powerful tenor harmony vocals. Janet came to know bluegrass music in 1999 through her husband David “jake” Jacobson, who just happens to be Charter Oaks’ mandolin player, and baritone vocal. Since then she has been “hooked” on bluegrass music. Janet has attended all of the group’s rehearsals since 2000 and has practiced her vocals to perfect the group’s style of bluegrass. Janet has brought many of our new songs to the group, as she is always listening for new songs to try. Janet made her singing debut last year when she sang a beautiful duet with Bruce at the Pine Needles Café. In June of 2007, Janet officially became a member of the band performing at The Sterling Park campground. Janet is excited to be a part of the band and brings that excitement to their performances. “I just LOVE Bluegrass music. Especially Charter Oak!” Steve Wnuk (Fiddle) One of the newest members to join Charter Oak Bluegrass, bringing over 30 years of diverse fiddle playing. Steve has played with many different types of bands, including The Johnny Cake Mountain Airport String Band which plays traditional New England String band music, a country band named Back In The Saddle, the Grammy-award winning Polka band Jimmy Sturr Band, not to mention numerous recordings including the first album with Dave Liska and Kentucky Wind! Steve brings the wonderful sound of a bluegrass fiddle to the group, adding to the traditional sound of Charter Oaks’ music. Steve “ is thrilled to be a part of the group and is looking forward to seeing many old friends at future shows.”
Charter Oak Bluegrass: Bios