TVA

Terry Van Auker is not afraid to re-invent himself.  He’s a man of multiple talents with a rich history of experience as an instrumentalist, singer, woodworker, musical instrument purveyor, and luthier.

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The 60s music scene in Mansfield was the genesis of Terry’s career, beginning with the Wildlife, a band that was signed by Columbia Records and gained regional fame by performing original tunes by Terry’s partner Tom, and opening for notable national bands like the Doors, The Who and Jefferson Airplane.

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The Wildlife morphed into Owen B in late 1969. The band toured the Midwest, opening for Joe Cocker, Spirit, and other popular bands. Owen B produced an album and two singles. Most were original tunes including Mississippi Mama, which gained national fame and reached Number One on the regional charts.

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Despite the local fame they had achieved, Terry and fellow band member Tom Zinser were realists. Their mantra “Don’t give up your day job”, led them to the purchase of the Columbus Folk Music Center on the OSU campus in 1972. Success with the music store didn’t stop Tom and Terry from embracing their fundamental identities as musicians. Their duo A Good Example performed in local restaurants and produced another album of Tom’s original tunes.

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The Columbus Folk Music Center was a center of multiple music-centered activities, providing lessons, instrumental workshops, and a haven for local musicians of all genres. Terry performed restoration and repair for acoustic instruments brought to the store and was a member of the Guild of American Luthiers. Terry and Tom continued to make music, and became part of Full Circle, a band that performed at the Crazy Horse Saloon in Columbus.

In the late 80s, Terry moved on from the Folk Music Center and began a second career as a woodworker, which he continues today.  He’s created furniture for the Westcott House in Springfield, the only Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie House in Ohio, and built a harpsichord for a local client.

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Today, Terry plays classic and contemporary hits at local pubs and restaurants, offering great acoustic guitar and vocal music to happy audiences.