After 5: Nick and Ruell and Ned the Band livens McSalty's

They've been together longer than they've been married. Their enduring celebrity withstands tongue-in-cheek ribbing of Springfield philanthropist John Q. Hammons with one of their more popular tunes, "John Q."

One evening with Nick Sibley, Ruell Chappell and Ned Wilkinson reveals why their popularity has outlasted several of the venues they've played.

Nick and Ruell and Ned the Band currently takes the stage Thursdays 7-9 p.m. at McSalty's Pizza Café, 2627 E. Sunshine St., but their playful partnership goes back a couple of decades.

Long and winding road

Nick and Ruell met in a recording studio in 1974, hit it off and have been playing together ever since. Ned joined in 1987, originally accompanying the duo on tuba.

Ned is "the Band" in their title because while he only plays the upright bass, cornet and occasional piano with Nick and Ruell, he humbly acknowledges that he can play just about any instrument. Ruell plays piano and pizza box (for "Pump Up the Jam"), Nick plays guitar and harmonica - sometimes simultaneously.

All three band members own or co-own advertising and media production companies. Nick (Nick Sibley Music Inc.) and Ned (Money Music Inc.) both write and produce advertisement jingles, while Ruell (Ruell Chappell Music) has moved out of that area into commercial and training video production.

On the side, the sounds of Nick and Ruell and Ned the Band liven up McSalty's on Thursday nights, which are historically a slower night, according to its owners. Business is up 30 percent to 40 percent since bringing in the well-known local band, says co-owner Brian Dodds.

Crowds between 60 and 100 - with an age range of 8 to 80 - gather to enjoy music and menu items like bear pie pizza on McSalty's signature wheat crust, garlic cheese bread or fresh salad. And there are longtime fans.

Previously, the band played for 18 years at the McSalty's on Battlefield Road.

"Sometimes, you get kids that were kids when they were watching the band at Battlefield and now they have kids," Dodds says.

Others may be new customers to McSalty's but heard the band was playing and decided come no matter the crowd size.

"There's not a bad seat in the house," says co-owner John Dunlop. "Parties will come in and be glad to get a seat." They'll take a booth near the front because, Dunlop adds, "They just came to hear the band."

Prior to McSalty's, they played venues like Shakey's Pizza on Glenstone Avenue and Ginger's, a bar in the old Ramada Inn at Glenstone and Kearney.

"When we left the previous McSalty's (in December 2006), I remember thinking, ... 'OK, well, this is the end of it,'" Ned says.

A couple of months later, Nick ran into Dodds, who, along with business partner Dunlop, purchased the Sunshine McSalty's in January 2007. Plans came together and the band started playing Thursday nights in April 2007.

Hard day's night

With busy workdays, it seems they'd be glad to give up the weekly commitment of a regular gig. However, for these three, it's all about the music, friends and maintaining a sense of humor.

"We have more fun tearing down and setting up than most bands have playing," Nick says.

The band continues to meet regular requests for special engagements such as First Night, St. John's Back to School Bash and Taste of Springfield. They also play corporate events.

The camaraderie is mutual. "I'm just lucky to play with those guys," Ruell adds. "They are incredible musicians."[[In-content Ad]]