Gary Antol

Folk/Americana artist Gary Antol has been immersed in music for as long as he can remember. Born into a musical household where guitars were always within reach, Gary began picking out notes on his father’s guitar before he could even hold it properly. By age five, he was already
playing, and by six, after years of “borrowing” his dad’s instrument, he received a guitar of his own — a birthday gift that set the course for a lifelong journey.
 
Gary’s earliest inspirations came from the timeless sounds of The Beatles and Elvis Presley, whose records filled his childhood home. His first attempt at songwriting came at just eight years old, moved
by the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy — a song titled “We Will Miss You” set to the tune of Love Me Tender. From that moment, Gary knew he wanted to write and sing his own songs.
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After years of performing locally and honing his craft, Gary earned his degree in Sound Recording Technology and Jazz Guitar from Duquesne University, where he studied under the legendary Joe Negri.
His career took him across the country and beyond,performing with Disney and Carnival Cruise Lines, as well as in casino bands in Las Vegas and throughout the western U.S. His musical versatility has spanned genres — from big band and disco/funk to rock, pop, and Americana.
 
Gary is best known as the guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the acclaimed bluegrass/Americana band The Jakobs Ferry Stragglers. The band became a fixture on the national festival circuit, performing at the
IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival three times — including two
official Band Ramble showcases. The band was also welcomed to stages at DelFest, Bristol Rhythm & Roots, Grey Fox, Tico Time Bluegrass (CO), and many more.

Their original songs, including
“Scattered Pieces”, “Smokestacks”, and “Things Take Time" have been featured on NPR playlists across the United States. Gary's discography with The Jakobs Ferry Stragglers includes: The Lane Change (2014), White Lightning Road (2016), Poison River (2018), The Straggle Is Live (2020). 

Over the years, Gary has been honored to receive endorsements from Bourgeois Guitars, Andrew White Guitars, and GHS Strings, a testament to his musicianship and craftsmanship. His guitar work and songwriting draw from a wide array of influences — from his father’s playing to greats such as Eddie Van Halen, David Gilmour, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Scofield, James Taylor, and Tony Rice.

As an instructor of guitar and mandolin Gary hopes to inspire the musicians of tomorrow in the same way that his teacher's inspired him. 
 
Gary continues to evolve as a songwriter and performer. 
Looking ahead, he plans to keep writing, recording, and performing. Staying true to his motto - play original music, take it to the road, and have fun.