MUSCATINE, Iowa — They may live in the Midwest, but their souls live and breathe the mountain music they love.

The six women who make up the Just 4 Fun String Band prefer to be called “senior lovelies” rather than reveal their ages.

But  there are some things they’re more than willing to share with audiences: the fun they have playing myriad musical instruments and their passion for mountain music.

They say they appreciate the history of the music they play, the tradition and the layers of style within the Southern Appalachian genrè.

They practice about once a week and the group has more than 200 songs in its repertoire.

 Just 4 Fun plans to release a new CD next year. The group recorded 15 songs on a CD in 2007.

“We just need to save enough money for the studio time,” said Chris Clark, one of the members. “The studio we use in Muscatine — Mischief Recording Studio —  has very top-quality equipment and sound. We will record our new CD there.”

Meet the Fun folks

Linda Slack

Linda Slack, one of the founding members, plays mandolin, fiddle and guitar and shares vocals. She is originally from Baltimore and now lives in Blue Grass. Slack began her musical career at age 46, after she inherited a mandolin and fiddle from her father.

“I grew up listening to old-time music but just

didn’t participate with my parents when they played and danced, but it always looked like fun,” she said.            “Which is how the name of our group came up. Not taking ourselves too seriously, we would laugh and say, ‘Oh, well, it is just for fun;’ and that is how it all got started.”

Jean Duncan

Jean Duncan agrees.

“Watching people’s enthusiasm while performing is fun also. Music is a blending of different people and different styles of music. We add our own flair to the music and group.”

 Duncan, who lives in Bettendorf, plays upright bass, banjo and sings harmony. She said for her, the group’s more than music; it is a sisterhood. “We share in each other’s lives and know we have support when we need it.”

Yvonne Price

Yvonne Price plays harmonica, assorted rhythm instruments and sings harmony. She has had the opportunity to live in several countries and now calls Bettendorf home. Price also began her musical career later in life. She recalls her first experience with meeting the ladies in 1994.

While attending a festival in Moline, Ill., on how to play the harmonica, she wound up on stage with Just 4 Fun.

“I thought it was something interesting, a free workshop to learn a little more about my instrument and Just 4 Fun was onstage performing, looking like they were having a good time. They saw me in the audience fumbling around with my harmonica and asked me to join them.”

Chris Clark

Chris Clark, a retired Muscatine School District teacher, is the designated spokeswoman for the group.

“I joined the girls in 2000, while attending the Mooney Hollow Festival in Green Island, Iowa. I took my guitar and jammed with them, and I couldn’t be happier than to be a part of Just 4 Fun.”

Clark plays guitar, mountain dulcimer, autoharp, steel whistle and sings.

Sandy Koester

Sandy Koester is the newest member of the band and what the others call “a fantastic banjo player.”

Joining the band in 2004 while attending the Augustana College performance for the Faris Family, she sat in with Just 4 Fun to jam and shared her talents. Koester plays the bluegrass banjo, guitar, clawhammer and sings. She lives in Rock Island, Ill., and said she believes in the heartfelt message of music.

Lila Gehner

Lila Gehner specializes on an old-time clawhammer banjo and plays the bodhrán (Irish frame drum) in addition to singing. Gehner recently moved to Missouri and will travel with the band for upcoming performances when she can.

Details

Folk music

From a historical experience, folk music is characterized as being from a particular culture or region and the music is often related to historical and personal events, national culture and a blend of influences.

The roots of North American folk music originate from many countries including England, Scotland and Ireland. This musical form developed along with various forms of North American folk dances, such as barn dancing, square dancing and clogging. It encompasses Southern Appalachian ballads, hymns and various types of folk songs. Old-time music is played on acoustic instruments, centering on a combination of fiddle, guitar, dulcimer and banjo.

Performances

Sept. 11 — Rock Island, Black Hawk State Park,

7 p.m.  Singing Bird Lodge

Sept. 12 — Rock Island, Ill., Broadway Presbyterian Church 11 a.m., community outdoor event, food served

Sept. 18 — Davenport, River Music Experience,

7 p.m. Bucktown Review

Sept. 19 — Muscatine, Pine Creek Grist Mill, Wild Cat Den 1-4 p.m.  Heritage Days Just 4 Fun Jam - bring instruments

Sept. 20 — Iowa City, Johnson County Fairgrounds Noon-6 p.m. Fiddlers Picnic

Sept.  26 — Teddy Bear Tea, Muscatine Community Y,  2-4 p.m., Iowa City Senior Center 8-11 p.m.,  barn dance with dance lessons 7:30-8 p.m.

The band

www.myspace.com/just4funoldtime music

To order the group’s 2007 CD, “Both Sides of the River,” contact Chris Clark at 563-260-2772 or

caclark@machlink.com. Cost is $10 plus

$2.50 postage