Kenny Nelson-Lead guitar (acoustic & electric), live sound & recording engineer

Kenny began playing guitar at the age of nine. His parents bought him his first guitar, a Sears Silvertone Danelectro-amp/case combination from the Sears store on Rice Street in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Kenny had a wonderful guitar instructor for about 1,5 years,  named Larry Thorne, who came to the Nelson home.

Some of the first songs that Kenny learned was: Folsom Prison Blues, I walk The Line; The Wildwood Flower and Guitar Boogie-between the ages of nine and ten! During this time he would bring his guitar to Grove Elementary school to perform for the staff and students.

Fast forward to 1981, Kenny got a big break when he auditioned for Larry Schorn a very popular classic country singer/entertainer from River Falls, Wisconsin. Kenny became the lead guitar player for Larry Schorn And The Schorn Side Of Country band from 1981 until Larry's passing in 1986. 

in 1987, Kenny and Darlene were married and the band “Showdown” was formed.  (1986-2000).

In 2005, Kenny met and performed in concert with one of his all time guitar pickin' heroes-Bob Wootton (Johnny Cash's lead player for thirty years.) This took place at the Turner Hall in New Ulm, Minnesota. Kenny and Bob hit it off immediately and remained friends up to Bob's passing in 2017.

Today, Kenny picks lead guitar for Darlene And The Boys band and as Darlene & Kenny “The Nelsons” performing for numerous Senior Communities across Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and performing  as they travel to their winter home in Mission, Texas where they join up with other members of Darlene And The Boys band for many dates!

Kenny also enjoys attending church, studying the Bible; recording sessions in his home studio, drawing; photography, and partaking in music jams at Creekside Community Center in Bloomington, Minnesota and also at Bobtown Bar & Grill-Roberts, Wisconsin “MOM” (Monday Open Mic). Pickin' with his buds wherever the music takes him! “On The Road Again”….

Jim Hanson-Keyboards, Bass, Vocals

Jim is an incredible talent! He received his BA in Music Education from Washington State University and taught vocal and instrumental music in public schools for several years. While teaching, he performed with dance bands and nightclub groups eventually becoming a full-time working musician performing in many genres of music including Rock & Roll, Blues and Classic Country.

His first public performance, at the age of 7, was playing accompaniment on the piano while his grandfather and friends performed Scandinavian dance tunes on their fiddles. Through his teens, Jim studied classical piano and played bass, guitar and keyboards with friends in local Rock & Roll bands.

Jim is a huge asset contributing his music talents to Darlene And The Boys band! His incredible gift with music arrangements, piano fills and solos and vocals (both lead and harmony) add another dimension to the sound of Darlene And The Boys.

Jim resides with his lovely wife, Lynn in Brainerd, Minnesota and winters in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Mike Peterson-Drums & Vocals

Mike is a veteran of the music scene. He has performed with numerous top bands around many areas of Minnesota , Wisconsin including Nashville North and Alan Godage and Sundown to name a few.  Mike is also in high demand throughout the Rio Grande Valley Of Texas!

The “Human Metronome” is what he's called in the Darlene And The Boys band. Consistently laying down the groove to every single song on every single performance date! Plus, Mike adds some wonderful high harmony that really compliments the bands' sound! And he always has a big smile!

Mike goes above and beyond assuring that his drum mix is the absolute best it can be. A true professional!

Mike and his lovely Wife, Donna reside in Webster, Wisconsin and they winter in South Texas,

The following multi talented musicians are utilized on performance dates that may require  an additional augmented sound or are used to fill in upon an absence:

Ed Schmidt- Vocals, pedal steel guitar, guitar, saxophone and accordion.

Ed is an incredible musician! He is in such high demand that Darlene And The Boys have to act quickly to secure him on certain dates!

He has backed numerous country music stars and has appeared many times on the RFD TV Network's “Midwest Country Show”.

Ed and his lovely Wife, Joanne, reside in Fox Creek, Wisconsin.

Duane Nelson-Pedal steel guitar, guitar, vocals

Duane is a monster musician! This guy has been a major part of many very successful bands around the Western Wisconsin area. His steel guitar talent took him all the way to “Music City” Nashville, Tennessee- pickin' all around Broadway and beyond!

Duane and his lovely Wife, Vicky reside in Martell, Wisconsin

Danny Roussin-Drums

Danny “Roo” is one of the first calls when Darlene And The Boys need a fill in drummer! Steady as a clock with a wonderful personality and stage presence to go with it! A very highly sough after drummer!

Don Nustad-Drums

“Dangerous” Don has performed with many top notch national performers through the years! He is truly a consummate professional who brings so much joy to every performance! Don and his lovely Wife, Corinne, reside in West Fargo, North Dakota

Roger Judeen-Drums

Roger brings so much fun and professionalism to the stage! A long time Minnesota friend of Darlene & Kenny who now resides  full time with his lovely Wife, Connie in Weslaco, Texas.

Mike Wendolek-Drums

Mike can simply play it all! From polkas to traditional country and everything in between! Plus, he adds some great vocals too! He and his lovely Wife, Susan reside in Dassel, Minnesota and winter in Mission, Texas.