EOW Members

"Purveyors of American Roots Music"

Meet the members of East of Westreville. EOW is Americana roots music: bluegrass, blues, folk, and country music--a country blues to bluegrass road trip… with a few stops along the way!

We are pleased East of Westreville was featured in recent issue of South Dakota Magazine! Read the story from the Sioux Falls Argus Leader by clicking here.

Kaija Bonde, vocals, has been acting and singing all her life. She currently also stars in the acclaimed touring musical Always… Patsy Cline. Other favorite roles include Eva Peron in Evita, Maria in The Sound of Music, Sr. Robert Anne in Nunsense, Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods, and Rhetta Cupp in the long running touring show Pump Boys and Dinettes. Kaija has released three CD’s. She lives with husband Brian and their children.

Boyd Bristow, lead guitar and vocals, is a well-known singer and guitarist in the region. He is one of the regular members of the Acoustic Christmas cast and has performed with many bands including Blue Berry Buckle and The Red Willow Band. He was musical director for Always… Patsy Cline. He is a counselor and runs his own recording studio. He lives in Sioux Falls with his wife, Rev. Dar Berkenpas.

Boyd has released a solo CD, "Cloudless Sky," which was produced by Chris Gage. For more information or to buy Boyd's new CD, click here.

Brian Bonde, rhythm guitar and vocals, spent the last few years as director and producer of Always… Patsy Cline. Brian and Kaija founded the Comfort Theatre Company in 1997. He was last seen on stage as Johnny in The Cardigans. Other favorite roles include Jim in Pump Boys and Dinettes, Che in Evita, and many others. In real life, he is Vice President of Major Initiatives for Sanford Health and lives in Sioux Falls with Kaija and the kids.

Al Slaathaug, upright-bass, is a Fort Pierre native. He began playing bass backing up Terry Ree for post game dances at Riggs High in Pierre. He has played in regional bands including, Blue Berry Buckle and The Secret Band and is a regular with the group "Fiddler Nelson." He is a computer programmer and ranches near Fort Pierre, SD.

Home About Us East of Westreville
Kaija & Gene Show Schedule