Perched like a neon time capsule, stands the old Joy sign at the Wanderoo Lodge. This glowing relic remains from when the place was called The Joy Motel and it’s a beacon of nostalgia, and a reminder that joy isn’t just a feeling but a place, a gathering, a shared experience.
And if there was ever a man who could take that concept and make it sing ... literally ... it was Ron Landis. For years, he turned Monday nights at Wanderoo into a ritual of rhythm and revelry, strumming out bluegrass tunes with Sprungbilly and delivering joy in its purest form. That old sign might flicker, but the joy Ron has spread through music, craft, and community burns bright, unshakable and enduring. If anything, it’s poetic: a man who has spent his life engraving beauty into the world found himself, week after week, making joy tangible in the very place that once bore its name.
Sprungbilly, is the Bluegrass/Newgrass powerhouse that has become a must-see in Northwest Arkansas! Featuring some of the best in the region, Sprungbilly brings an electrifying mix of traditional bluegrass and fresh, high-energy newgrass to every performance. They’ve made a name for themselves with their weekly shows at the Gravel Bar at Wanderoo Lodge, where they are local legends.
Ron Landis, the seasoned banjo player of Sprungbilly, was instrumental in the formation of Sprungbilly. Early on, Ron invited musicians from diverse backgrounds to join him, establishing a cherished tradition of weekly performances. This collaborative spirit led to the unique blend of bluegrass, newgrass, jamgrass, and Americana that defines Sprungbilly's sound today.
Throughout their evolution, Sprungbilly has remained true to their mission of delivering authentic and innovative musical experiences. Their story is a testament to the vibrant musical heritage of the Ozarks and the enduring power of community-centered art.
In recent developments, Ron Landis announced his retirement from the band, marking the end of an era for Sprungbilly. His very special final performance was held at the Gravel Bar to celebrate his many contributions, underscoring his integral role in the band's journey.
For those that were in attendance (mostly local fans), the evening of Monday, March 17, 2025 at The Gravel Bar was filled with community, love, togetherness and the effervescent magic of what music does to people. ☘️☘️Oh, and we can't forget that it was St. Patrick's Day as well -- the green beer was flowing, the music was electric and the energy was high.☘️☘️
Ron Landis does a lot more than you might think ... this multifaceted artist and craftsman's life's work seamlessly intertwines his passions for engraving, numismatics, and music. Born in 1954 near the Denver Mint in Colorado, Landis's early fascination with the intricacies of engraved lines was sparked by studying his grandparents' monogrammed silverware. This childhood curiosity laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to the art of engraving.
In 1978, Landis formalized his engraving skills at Gem City College in Quincy, Illinois, where he immersed himself in a curriculum steeped in over a century of tradition. This education emphasized hand-engraving techniques tailored for the jewelry industry, focusing on lettering styles, monograms, and inscription layouts. His commitment to preserving and advancing these time-honored methods became a hallmark of his career. His work in numismatics wasn’t just about coins; it was about preserving history through art, much like he did with his music.
Ron's close friend and longtime music counterpart Chuck Onofrio has said ...
“The area we grew up in in Denver turned out some really great musicians like Tim O’Brien and many others – and Ron is one of them,”
“Right from the beginning we were playing with fantastic musicians, and Ron held his own even in the early years when we were beginners.”
“He’s also a great craftsman. The first time I saw him he was playing a banjo he had built. He inspired me to go to instrument repair school to learn how to repair and build violins."
“He inspires me musically, and has ever since we first started playing together after high school in Denver.”
Landis's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a small engraving shop in Denver in 1980. His innovative approach to demonstrating early coin-making techniques at Renaissance festivals across the United States garnered significant attention. This endeavor culminated in the founding of the Gallery Mint Museum, a living history museum dedicated to showcasing the evolution of coin-making technologies from ancient times to the present. Through live demonstrations using period-accurate equipment, Landis educated and captivated audiences, bridging the gap between historical craftsmanship and contemporary appreciation.
Beyond his contributions to numismatics, Landis is an accomplished musician. His proficiency with instruments such as the mandolin, banjo, dobro, and guitar has been a significant aspect of his personal and professional life. In Northwest Arkansas, he became a central figure in the local music scene, notably through his involvement with the bluegrass band Sprungbilly. For years, their Monday night performances have become a cherished tradition, allowing Landis to share his musical talents and foster community through song.
Landis has channeled his creative energies into developing high-quality silver fingerpicks for stringed instruments. This venture reflects his dedication to enhancing the musical experience for fellow artists, combining his engraving expertise with his love for music. His company, Landis Studios, offers these meticulously crafted accessories, which have been well-received within the musician community.
Throughout his diverse career, Ron Landis has exemplified a harmonious blend of artistry and craftsmanship. His unwavering commitment to preserving traditional techniques while embracing innovation has left an indelible mark on both the engraving and musical worlds. Landis's journey serves as an inspiring testament to the pursuit of one's passions and the enduring impact of dedicating oneself to the arts.
Ron Landis engraves himself into every experience. He made sure he made his mark. From meticulously carving coins to picking a banjo with the precision of a master craftsman, his life has been a symphony of skill, passion, and pure, unfiltered joy.
Whether he was minting history at the Gallery Mint Museum or shredding bluegrass licks with Sprungbilly, he's always done it with a joyful flair that makes everyone stop and appreciate the artistry.
Now, as Ron steps back from the band that continues to be a Monday night joy-fest, one thing’s for sure, his legacy will never fade. It’ll shine, cherished and overjoyed, just like the music he made.
Thanks to you, Ron, we are ALL overjoyed ... because overjoyed is that special kind of joy that doesn’t just sit still; it dances, it soars, it blows a kiss, and it leaves a mark.
You will always be forever engraved in our hearts.❤️
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