One Stone is a professional, high energy, interactive cover band, known for their strong vocals and musicianship.  Their set-list includes rock classics from the 70’s, 80’s, & 90’s, along with some more current rock hits.  Lead vocalist Karen Backes-Dothage has a powerful voice and presence that is perfect for belting out classic anthems by the likes of Heart, Janis Joplin and Cheryl Crow. Guitarist C. J. Dothage and bassist Randy Robnett handle the backing vocals, and also take the lead on songs by, among others, Green Day, Cheap Trick and Billy Joel.  Rounding out the band is drummer Ryan Henson who provides the pounding rhythms needed for songs by Led Zeppelin and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

C.J. and Karen formed One Stone in 2004 after returning to Southern Illinois from Texas.  This is their first musical pairing though they’ve known each other since high school, where both were voted most talented in their senior class. C.J. honed his technical skills by studying music performance at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.  He continued to improve his playing technique by performing in various cover, blues and original bands. 


 Karen began singing with her with her sisters at a very early age, performing at weddings and delivering singing telegrams and joined her first band in 1988. She has continued as lead vocalist with several bands, performing multiple styles of music in Missouri, Texas and Illinois.  Ryan joined the band early in 2006 when the previous drummer left the band.  He spent 10 years playing throughout the Midwest with various original bands and remains as the drummer in his original project, Guns Make Ghosts.  Randy began with One Stone later in 2006, and has played with several Southern IL bands including Area 51 and The Expedition and was also a part of the Military Marching Band while in the Navy.  

One Stone’s growing popularity and fan base is due not only to the superb musicianship, but also to the fun and energy the band brings with it.  The band routinely gives away T-shirts and other merchandise to fans and encourages the audience to get involved in the party.  Radio stations like WDML and KSHE 95 have done live remotes and interviewed the band at shows on several occasions.  One Stone’s popularity with fans and professionalism is also not lost on the people who book them, with their schedule increasing to over 60 shows in 2007.  They provide their own P.A. and lights, and while their P.A. is capable of rocking any size room, they have no problem playing at lower volumes if the situation calls for it.  They are also sponsored in part by Bud True Music.  As for the future, the band hopes to continue playing as often as possible throughout the region, as well as working on a full length original CD.