About Us

21 Rails is an original Americana Rock n Roll band led by singer/songwriter Ronnie Allen. He is supported by Mike Schuppe and Gary Sorensen on lead guitars, Chris Paulsen on bass/vox and Greg Kirby on drums/vox, and Dean Kattari on keys/vox/Producer bringing the simplicity and beauty of Americana Rock n Roll to their fans.

Gary Sorensen - Born and raised in the PNW. Gary has made a habit of surrounding himself with good musicians and good people. 21 Rails is his latest collaboration and he is excited to once again bring live music to the people!

Mike Schuppe - Mike grew up in the Americana Southwest, went to school in Portland and has lived in the Seattle area since 1983. Mike has played in numerous NW bands including Swinos, Gunn and the Damage Done, John Hamhock and the Rooster Run Band and Bullitt County.

Greg Kirby - Greg was born and raised in the PNW and the youngest of three brothers. He's considered a “groove” drummer that likes to dabble on the piano. He enjoys long walks on the beach and a good, cold cut sandwich!

Chris Paulsen - Born and raised in Somerville NJ, started playing and being involved in music at a young age - lots of music in the family.  Spent his career in kitchens as a professional chef - but music has always been a huge part of his life. Moved to PNW in the early 80’s and raised a family, now semi-retired, enjoys being involved in the local music scene playing bass, and surrounding himself with musicians and artists.

Ronnie Allen - Born in Dalton, Georgia, Ronnie grew up in a musical family. The family eventually settled in Knoxville, TN, where he was influenced by 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s R&B, Country, Gospel, Southern Rock and Hip Hop. His first solo Country Album was released in 2024, “The Day God’s Grace Became Amazing,” along with a Hip Hop/AfroBeat collaboration with Artist D.I. Green, titled “Hillbilly Legend,” also released in 2024. He is now focused on writing originals with 21 Rails.   

Dean Kattari - has over twenty-five years of radio broadcast and media experience, having served as a: DJ/Program Director, Music Director, Producer, Production Director, Operations Manager/Engineer, Imaging Director for many stations in California and Oregon including KOTR(K-Otter) in San Luis Obispo, KFOG, KSAN, KMAX, and The Wolf in San Francisco, The KRSH (The Krush) in Santa Rosa, and Kink.FM in Portland Oregon. While mainly working in the Triple A formats, he’s also programmed Country, Oldies, Classic Rock, Active Rock, Hispanic, CHR, and Adult Hits (sounds dirty but it isn’t).