Don Thurn

Thought-provoking, honest, and just plain fun are a few words to describe the musical quest of Don Thurn.  Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, he began playing guitar at the early age of twelve, and writing songs a few years later.

     The first band Don played with, "The Fugitives," performed at the local church and music circuit in Buffalo, playing early Rock 'n' Roll and Rhythm & Blues.  This was a unique era when local churches would open up the church basement for aspiring teenagers to showcase their talents.  These were the glory days of "Wipe Out," "Walk Don't Run," "Louie, Louie," and of course The Beatles and The Stones?

     Later, in high school, Don performed with Rocko and Rick Rizzo, playing primarily acoustic and folk-era music, such as Dylan, Donovan, etc.  They were featured performers at high school assemblies in the Buffalo area.

     At the age of 19, Don moved to the heart of the boiling west-coast music scene in Hollywood, California.  He continued to hone his song-writing skills, spending hours writing and composing in the beauty of the Topanga Canyon area.  He was able to witness the early days of such greats at Jackson Browne, CS&N, Loggins & Messina, and others, as they were yet accessible in small clubs such as "Theodore's," "The Whiskey," and "The Sunset."

     In 1975, Don returned to Buffalo and, teaming up with Gary Lee and Patti Meyer, formed a band called "Triune," which focused on tight, three-part harmonies, as found in the music of CS&N, The Eagles, and other such vocal-centered groups.  Soon they were performing at the local club circuit, and helped foster a successful Open Mic venue in Buffalo, at such places as "Central Park Grille," "Tralfamador Cafe," and :Greenfield Street's."  Triune recorded some of their songs at Track Master Recording Studio (the studio that launched Spyro Gyra's first album).  There, Don made his first recording of an original song called "Edge of Warm Light."  Triune went on to form "Ashford Junction" with a more electric sound and playing larger venues and the local college circuit.  New members included Mike Schultz on bass and Al Lee on drums.

     Due to hard economic times, and the encouragement of some friends in Denver, Don moved there in the early '80s, where he did a brief stint of solo engagements.  Shortly thereafter, he moved to Fort Collins, and teamed up with Rick Moore to form the classic rock band "My Generation," later renamed "The Time Machine."  This band went on to be known as a mainstay of classic rock in Northern Colorado throughout the '80s.  Band members included Don, Rick, Dave Edsall, and Frankie Ayala.  The Time Machine went through a period of three years without missing a single weekend engagement.  After reaching the ceiling on what they could do locally, and after much debate, The Time Machine disbanded.

     Don went on to wrestle with his own personal demons and explore song-writing on a deeper level.  After a period of deep soul-searching, Don committed his life to Christ.  In the early '90s, he proceeded to develop a unique blend of acoustic instrumentals and lyrically descriptive songs inspired by his long journey.

     In 2002, Don decided to assemble a small project recording studio in his home.  This studio, "P and S Audio," is aptly named after Paul and Silas and their adventures in Acts 16:25-34.  Don's vision for P and S Audio is to serve as a stepping stone for aspiring singer/song-writers and musicians to explore and develop their musical gifts.

     In November of 2005, with the support and encouragement of his friends and family, Don released his first CD entitled "Younger Than Yesterday," which was recorded exclusively at P and S Audio, and includes eleven original songs and one cover.  The album is dedicated to his younger brother, Kevin, who went home to be with the Lord in 2004.  Kevin continually prompted Don to pursue his passion to produce his own music and share his dream with others.  "Younger Than Yesterday" reflects many of Don's life events, celebrating its joys, struggles, and simple beauty in a descriptive and enjoyable musical journey.

     Don currently lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, with his wife, Reggie, and two teenage step-kids, Tara and Isaac. He is an active member of Timberline Church.