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Fine Country Folk

Twenty or more musicians from the tiny Icelandic Village of Riverton decided to join together and produce an album. With their musical versatility and talent, these local musicians put together a recording, "REUNION" that generated pride throughout the community.

It was during the "REUNION" recording in 1980 that these hometown singers, Roy Gudmundson, Clifford Lindstrom, Laugi Johannesson and Dick Johnson joined together as a group to become the "FINE COUNTRY FOLK". The talented foursome demonstrated style and professionalism and soon became an instant success throughout the Interlake.

These four boys would hang up their hats after their day jobs to rehearse and play for many hours. The group received unrelenting support and encouragement from their wives, family and friends including Rod Palson, who advised on promotions and designing, and Wes Wilson, a studio engineer and producer. These two professionals gave assistance and advice in whatever project the band chose to undertake.

The Fine Country Folk managed to find time between practices and playing engagements to build their very own studio. The studio not only produced their own recordings, it also made it possible for other musicians to record their own music with an experienced engineer and producer.

During their musical career the "Fine Country Folk" released six recordings- "Easy Listening", "Moments To Remember", "Fine Country Folk Christmas", "Back Thru The Years", "Fine Country Cookin" and "Country Gospel".

"Fine Country Folk" were very fortunate to find another musician, Gene Bodykevich, a professional drummer and friend who soon became a permanent addition. Gene entertains with the band and has occasionally played with "The Musical Mates".

The "Fine Country Folk", Roy, Cliff, Laugi and Dick, kept a very busy schedule until the sickness and passing of Laugi Johannesson. Shortly after Laugi's death, Clifford Lindstrom retired.

The "Fine Country Folk" still entertain occasionally with three the original band members, Roy Gudmundson, Dick Johnson, and Gene Bodykevich, along with three newcomers Gord Stefanson, Jennifer (Johnson) Zagozewski and Sigrid Palsson. Through the years these musicians have brought numerous people together to create lasting friendships and memories.

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''Fine Country Folk''
1983
Riverton, Manitoba
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''Fine Country Folk''
1981
Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Out of 126 entries, the "Fine Country Folk" were among the five chosen to perform at a concert on Rainbow Stage in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The four Riverton boys proudly walked away winners.

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''Fine Country Folk''
1983
Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Fine Country Folk entertaining at MACA. Only the most promising artists are asked to perform at this event.

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''Fine Country Folk''
March, 1984
Winnipeg, Manitoba
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In 1983, "Fine Country Folk" entertained on the same stage as George Strait. The group had the honour of receiving the Manitoba Association of Country Music Arts (MACA) award for most "Promising Artists".

In 1986 the "Fine Country Folk" were honoured again with another MACA award for "Most Promising Band".

In 1987, "Fine Country Folk", were asked by MACA to present the award for "Song Writer of the Year".

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''Fine Country Folk''
1984
Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Pictured at the Scandinavian Pavillion in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The group had entertained at "Folklorama" for two weeks every summer for several years.

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''Fine Country Folk''
1987

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The "Fine Country Folk" were one of rural Manitoba's most popular country bands for over a decade.

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''FINE COUNTRY FOLK STUDIO''
1983
Riverton, Manitoba
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"FINE COUNTRY FOLK STUDIO"

This studio has not only been a recording facility for the "Fine Country Folk". The studio has given the opportunity for many other talented muscians and groups to succeed with their vision and aspirations of creating music with originality and pride.

The "Fine Country Folk Studio" has been the meeting place for many years, a place where they join together to plan, practice and organize performances.

The "F.C.F. Studio" will always remain special to the "Fine Country Folk" and many other talented musicians and close friends.