Artists
We are pleased to have the following musical performers at our festival this year.
Del McCoury Band
A 50 year career in bluegrass, including a stint as one of Bill Monroe's "Bluegrass Boys" allows Del McCoury to span the life of bluegrass music as one of it's most outstanding performers, singers and songwriters. The Del McCoury Band enjoys the praise of traditional bluegrass lovers and tie-dyed clad 'Del-Heads' alike. Del has proven not to be a relic of bluegrass music's past, but an architect of its future.
( www.delmccouryband.com )
The Tony Rice Unit
Tony Rice spans the range of acoustic music, from straight-ahead bluegrass to jazz-influenced new acoustic music, to songwriter-oriented folk. Over the course of his career, he has played alongside J.D. Crowe and the New South, David Grisman (during the formation of “Dawg Music”), led his own groups, collaborated with fellow picker Norman Blake and recorded with his brothers. With grace, technical skill, and exquisite taste and timing, Rice is still growing. To miss The Tony Rice Unit is to ignore yet another amazing period in the career of one of modern music’s most daring innovators.
( www.tonyrice.com )
Rhonda Vincent & the Rage
Rhonda Vincent was born July 13, 1962, in Kirksville, Mo., where she still lives. Her musical career started in her family's band as a child. Throughout the 1980s, Vincent accepted numerous female vocalist honors from the Society of the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association (SPGMA).The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awarded her its female vocalist award in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. She also captured the IBMA's entertainer of the year award in 2001. One Step Ahead, which features many songs she co-wrote as well as a duet with Krauss, was released in 2003.
( www.nemr.net/~rhondav/ )
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
In April 1979, Doyle Lawson formed a group called Doyle Lawson & Foxfire but soon changed it to Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. In the next few months, Terry Baucom, Jimmy Haley, Lou Reid and Doyle laid the foundation for what has become the Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver sound. The makeup of the band has changed many times in the last 27 years. He tries to integrate each member's special talents into the group, while not sacrificing the Quicksilver sound. While the sound changes a bit with the introduction of a new band member, it is important to that people hear what they expect to hear when they take the stage, no matter who is in the group.
( www.doylelawson.com )
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
Success for IIIrd Tyme Out was nearly an overnight occurrence for this group following its formation in 1991. They have carried on since then as one of the most beloved and best-selling acts in the genre. To this day, founding member Russell Moore (guitar), along with Steve Dilling (banjo), Justen Haynes (fiddle), Wayne Benson (mandolin), Edgar Loudermilk (bass) and their excellent sound technician, Donnie Carver, are creating a new tradition in modern bluegrass music.
( www.iiirdtymeout.com )
Al Batten & The Bluegrass Reunion
As bandleader and co-founder of the Bluegrass Reunion, Al Batten has proven true the concept that time, practice, and dedication are what it takes to master the 5-string banjo. The "3-T's" are his staples: Taste, Timing, and Tone. Following his initiation to the instrument in his teens, Earl Scruggs, Don Reno, Bill Emerson, Walter Hensley, and Billy Edwards heavily influenced him. And by combining these influences, Al developed a unique style of his own. In addition, his lead singing is second to none. For just as soon as he sings the first note, you can immediately tell it comes straight from the heart!
( www.bluegrassreunion.com )
