But Don changed his tune nearly two years ago when Wayne s son, Wolfgang, then 8, received a digital drum kit from Santa. Wolfgang had practiced drumming for several years by listening to the percussive sounds of Yes, Pink Floyd, Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance, to name a few. He never had a lesson, nor does anyone else in the family play percussion. I have no idea how he learned that, Wayne said. But he s wired for it. So the boy played those drums. Wolfie inspired us, Wayne said.

That s what got Don and me out of retirement. We started playing Christmas music together. Wolfie s skill level was high enough to play with some of the most experienced musicians in the region. Those first practices took on a life of their own. We started doing cover tunes, and it just melded all together, said guitarist Andy Tackett, 40, of Holcombe. We had so much fun we decided to make a rock opera, Wayne said.

Now, only 10 years old, Wolfgang has infused the group with youthfulness and a fresh perspective. They gave a preview of the show in April at The Stones Throw in Eau Claire. Since then, the show has evolved a bit, and they ve been practicing three or four nights a week. It was hard to stop, said Don, who picked up his bass for The Minstrel Cycle after a long hiatus. There s no denying magic when it s there. You just have to run with it. It s got us young again, Wayne said.

It s great when something comes along and kicks you back to that time. I m still not going to play for money, Don said with a laugh. The minstrel way It s uncommon to see such a diverse range of experience in a single group of performers. But by all accounts, this hasn t made working together difficult at all. We all get along well, Don said. Sometimes Wolfie yells at us for speeding up, Wayne said with a laugh. My foot doesn t lie! Wolfie says, pointing to it. Everyone chuckles.