Steve Rosko got his start on his 16th birthday, thanks to a nylon string classical guitar. Not long after, he picked up fingerpicking and just never really stopped playing. Over time, he got drawn to the Dobro’s unique sound, but eventually the pedal steel guitar pulled him in for good. He’s been at it for ten years now, and you can really hear it.
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Steve’s setup is something special—a 41-year-old vintage pedal steel, run through an old-school 8 vacuum tube amp head and a pair of custom-voiced speakers. That’s how he nails those warm, classic tones you’d hear back when the steel guitar ruled country music. He’s got a big thing for classic Country & Western and Western Swing, though sometimes he’ll dip into Country Rock just for fun. Steve’s passion for that pure, traditional sound is why he founded Sunset Ridge. He started this group to ensure the true, classic country vibe—pedal steel and all—is permanently back on the Central Texas dance floor. One of his proudest moments? Getting to play twice at the legendary Luckenbach dance hall. For Steve, that was a real dream come true.
Terry Aynes is a Transplanted Texan originally from the Upper Midwest, whose powerful sound is deeply rooted in Classic Country Music—a passion ignited in his early childhood.
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A self-taught musician, Terry picked up the guitar in his early forties. Upon retirement, he quickly became the lead singer and rhythm guitarist in multiple local country bands. He exclusively favors Dreadnaught Acoustic/Electric Guitars for their booming sound. While he appreciates Rock, Folk, and Blues, his musical loyalty remains with the classics, preferring to play songs purely, as they were originally rendered by the artists.
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When not performing, Terry’s passions are as unique as his sound: taking long road trips on his Harley-Davidson, building animated outdoor Christmas decorations, and enjoying dancing the two-step. He actively pays it forward by regularly sharing his music with senior care facility residents, bringing joy and nostalgia through song.
For Bill Alexander, the journey began with Carl Smith's "Before I Met You," the "crusty country" song that "did flat put a yodel in his voice box." He picked up the 6-string for its portability, leading him to his first guitar, a 1968 Yamaha FG-150, which he still plays today. His prized gear is a 1973 Yamaki acoustic dreadnaught that has traveled intercontinental miles, its enchanting voice still amazing him five decades on.
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Bill sees the Sunset Ridge environment as key: “Less tension, better tone.” He finds the reward in playing with experienced musicians who make music as an ensemble, describing the feeling of locking in as "pure unspoiled natural beauty," leaving him "giggling like a first-grader."
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Known for his stories, Bill once played a gig where he and his brothers "magically" skipped beats with a walk-on movie stuntman—and the audience went wild. Off-stage, he’s a dedicated watercolor painter, but his perfect evening involves a cozy living room, a funny movie, and his wife of 46 years.
Bob Murray's beat has been setting the rhythm since he got his first drum kit in 1969. While growing up in Germany, he was drawn to rock drumming and developed a lifelong love of jazz. Bob’s professional history in Texas music started with his first pro gig at Austin’s Aquafest.
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His career highlight came when he joined Standing Waves, a leading New Wave band that toured the U.S. and appeared in the 1980 movie Roadie alongside legends like Roy Orbison and Hank Williams Jr. Though he later took a detour to earn a B.S. in Forestry, Bob spent three decades playing everything from funk and soul to classic rock and country across regionally successful bands.
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In 2024, Bob and his wife retired to Sun City, bringing his incredible wealth of experience back to the local scene. Now, Bob is excited to be part of Sunset Ridge, holding down the backbeat for musicians who share his genuine love for the classic country sound.
Wayne Johnson is the steady heartbeat of Sunset Ridge, holding down the low end with a classic touch and a lifetime of stories. He was drawn to the instrument by the simple, practical truth that "bass players are not nearly as common," a lesson that has kept him in demand ever since.
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His classic country journey began with Marty Robbins’ "El Paso," though he still finds deep inspiration in the soul Emmylou Harris pours into every song. His musical roots run deep, visible in his prized possession: his uncle's 1932 Silvertone arch top guitar.
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He thrives in the band's "kindred spirit," where the pressure is low, the fun is high, and the great harmonies are the ultimate reward. Outside of the band, Wayne is a hands-on community man, dedicating time to family, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, and tackling handyman projects.
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And if you ever wonder about his dedication to music, just remember the time he led an Easter service in a Minnesota chill and kept his fingers warm before playing guitar by holding freshly cooked pancakes!