The skilled artisan of Dry Creek is John Lamar.  He plays mandolin, guitar and fiddle on instruments he has crafted with his own two hands.  John is truly a man of 1000 talents reflected in his professional life, his hobbies and his music.  His musical instruments are pure works of art that are sought after by professionals across the U.S.  Joe Baxley plays one of John’s masterpieces. The artistry expressed in cedar and spruce is also expressed with string, pick and bow.  John’s mandolin playing would please his boyhood idols Bill Monroe, Potter Brown and Macon Richards.  His music is the “Appalachian connection” for Dry Creek, through velvety smooth chord / rhythm work and ripping lead solos.  On occasion John will pick up the fiddle with Nyle and the two in tandem will roll out some harmonies reminiscent of Bob Wills’ Texas swing days. John is also a talented, but reticent, vocalist who sings harmonies and occasional lead vocals for the band.

John is another original Dry Creek member. He, Joe, Randall and Berry have been friends for close to half of a century.  He is a professional air conditioning/refrigeration specialist who is one of the best in West Florida. John taught Community College classes on the subject for many years and his clientele list is a veritable who’s who of Marianna and surrounding Jackson County community leaders.   In his spare time John makes his music and his instrument masterpieces.