Maestro of guitar and mandolin, Michael Begala skillfully leads the band --molding old songs into new. An electrician by trade, Michael is also reputedly a great chef of many ethnic foods from the kitchen and backyard grill!

Originally from Fairhaven, New Jersey, Michael has played professionally in Tucson for the past 30+ years, is a versatile picker playing everything from Western swing to bluegrass with the Desert Drifters. Begala also plays lead guitar with the rock-and-roll West River Band and Top Dead Center - a local Grateful Dead tribute band.

Fiddle playing zealot, known as Arizona Slim, is Tim Barrett. Slim has played Bluegrass, Country and Old-Timey music since the early 70's when he played bass with the Salt River Ramblers. Starting out on bass in the trio of "Linda Lou and the Drifters", Tim soon rode fiddle and has been fiddlin' 'round ever since.

Arizona Slim can also be found without his Cowboy hat and playing blues guitar with the Kamikaze Blues Band.

Playing a 3/4-size acoustic bass with the Desert Drifters, is Barry Schaede.
Barry hails from Champaign Illinois and has lived in Tucson since childhood having moved here with his family in the early 1960's. He maintains a modest profile doing computer work at the University of Arizona, exchanging books on the Internet, spending time with his family and of course, playing music with the Desert Drifters.

John Jenson, debonair dobro and lap steel player, has played in various country bands in Tucson for the past 30+ years. John brings his unique sense of humor and great talent weaving his original leads with the Desert Drifters.

Linda Lou and her sweet voice have led the Desert Drifters through the desert for some years now.

Well known for her various roles in helping organize the Tucson Folk Festival, Linda Lou has hosted community radio station KXCI's Tucson Musician's Showcase in the 80's and 90's and LL Productions has presented many "open-mike", concerts and showcases featuring Tucson's local talent.

Playing rhythm guitar with the Desert Drifters, you will be delighted to hear her sing a Patsy Cline or Hank Williams song, along with some of her other favorite Western, Country, Bluegrass, Folk songs and originals.