For five decades, Insured Sound has been delivering timeless tunes and dancefloor energy across Ohio and West Virginia. This year, the beloved local band is celebrating a remarkable milestone—50 years of continuous performances.
To mark the golden anniversary, Insured Sound will take the stage at Artsbridge Music in the Park on June 5, performing at City Park in Parkersburg from 7 to 9 p.m. The event promises a night filled with music that spans generations, genres, and unforgettable memories.
Insured Sound was founded in 1975 by the band’s original drummer, Dave Piatt. Since then, the group has grown and evolved while never missing a beat. Despite changes in the lineup and the music scene, the band has continued to tour and perform regularly, earning a reputation for high-energy shows and musical versatility.
The current lineup features a tight-knit group of musicians who have been playing together for over two decades. Greg Ring brings the harmony with his keyboard, saxophone, and flute.
Susan Owens, the band’s powerhouse vocalist, has been the voice of Insured Sound for the last 27 years. Rick Barnhart handles the bass, while Don Staats shines on lead guitar. Matt Piatt, son of founder Dave Piatt, took over drumming duties in 2006 following his father’s passing.
Staats is a familiar face to longtime fans. He first joined the band in the 1970s, took a break, and later returned in the early 1990s, becoming a staple of the band’s weekend touring schedule.
Of the five members, only Matt Piatt works full-time—serving as the director of inventory for CWS Office Solutions. The rest of the band is happily retired, choosing to spend their weekends doing what they love most: performing.
Susan Owens, the first and only female member of Insured Sound, was personally invited by Dave Piatt to join the band. “It’s all very exciting and they’re such great guys,” Owens said. “We all love music, and I’ve been singing since I was probably about 5 years old.”
She shared that one of the band’s greatest joys is watching audiences dance and enjoy themselves. “It’s fun for us when we see people having fun and dancing,” she said. “We just love music.”
Insured Sound’s setlists cover a wide range of genres and eras. From Beatles classics to Motown hits and current chart-toppers, the band plays a little bit of everything. Owens, who particularly enjoys performing at dance clubs with a formal vibe, says their musical variety keeps every performance fresh and engaging.
“We’ve all been together for a long time and we play cover tunes from the ’50s to today,” she said.
With a tour schedule that takes them from southeastern Ohio to Charleston, Insured Sound continues to perform nearly every weekend. Whether it’s at local festivals, fraternal organizations, or elegant dance halls, the band is always ready to bring the party.
For their 50th anniversary show at Artsbridge in Parkersburg, Owens promises something for everyone. “We’re going to be performing a lot of different songs,” she said. “There’ll be a song from every genre for every age, and that’s the fun thing about the band.”
Insured Sound’s enduring success proves that with passion, friendship, and a shared love for music, you can build a legacy that spans generations.
