THE GRASCALS

Great musicians will always find a way to make good music, but for great musicians to make great music, they must form a bond – one that, more often than not, goes beyond the purely musical to the personal. For The Grascals, that bond has been forged at the intersection of personal friendships, shared professional resumes and an appreciation for the innovative mingling of bluegrass and country music that has been a hallmark of the Nashville scene for more than forty years. As their releases prove, The Grascals’ rare musical empathy gives them an unerring ear for just the right touch to illuminate each offering’s deepest spirit – whether they’re digging into one of their original songs or reworking a bluegrass classic or pop standard. 

Vocally, the trio of Terry Eldredge, Jamie Johnson and Terry Smith are tighter than ever, cutting loose on driving solo vocals and soaring trios with equal fire and passion. As an instrumental unit, The Grascals have never sounded sharper, with mandolin ace Danny Roberts, fiddler Jeremy Abshire and banjo player Kristin Scott Benson leading the charge. As a result, their cutting-edge modern bluegrass is delivered with a deep knowledge of, and admiration for, the work of the music’s founding fathers. Timely yet timeless, The Grascals make music that is entirely relevant to the here and now, yet immersed in traditional values of soul and musicianship. It’s a unique sound that has earned two of their previous releases (THE GRASCALS, 2005 and LONG LIST OF HEARTACHES, 2006) Grammy® nominations for International Bluegrass Music Association’s Best Bluegrass Album.

The Grascals are among the most beloved and acclaimed bands on today’s bluegrass scene, having won SPBGMA’s Bluegrass Band of the Year award in 2010, the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Emerging Artist of the Year award in 2005 and earning its Entertainer of the Year honor in both 2006 and 2007.

Whether being light-hearted and jovial or soul-searching and reflective, The Grascals are at the very top of their game.   Though it is still – at least in bluegrass terms – a new group, the web of friendships, band memberships, recordings and personal appearances that binds The Grascals together has produced an ensemble of unsurpassed cohesion and focused artistic direction. Whether in the studio or on stage, The Grascals honor the past and forge into the future, bringing fresh yet familiar sounds to the bluegrass world and beyond.

THE RIGNEY FAMILY BLUEGRASS BAND

The Rigney Family Band hails from Normandy, TN, just outside of Nashville. Their unique, appealing blend of family vocal harmonies and innovative bluegrass instrumentation exemplifies everything that is right about family playing together. They offer traditional bluegrass mixed with fresh originals and driving instrumentation that exhilarates your soul with youthful energy, laughter, and emotion.
They play over 70 dates a year ranging from festivals, concerts, radio/TV shows, private parties, restaurants, weddings, and similar venues.  Their music is a great balance of the traditional and fresh new sounds.  Their third CD “Familiar Paths” released in September 2011.  Produced by Stephen Mougin of the Sam Bush Band, the project offers 12 original songs (three of which were written by Andrew Rigney) taking you down often-traveled paths of life.  This project also features guest vocalist Becky Buller.
Mark Rigney began playing banjo as a teenager. He gave up his beloved Gibson to buy Melissa’s engagement ring in college. He did not play again for 17 years. Then she surprised him one Christmas with a banjo under the tree and that is the beginning of their story. Mark also sings lead and harmony vocals for the band.
Melissa Rigney studied music at an early age on piano.  When the guys in the family started rolling, they wanted her to join in and she decided they needed a bass player. Now she is the bands solid beat.
Andrew Rigney (age 18) He plays guitar, mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, and bass. His hard-drivin’ smooth sound gives the band its tight drive. Andrew sings lead vocals and harmony and contributes much to the band with his original songs and arrangements.  He recently added to his many accomplishments by placing 1st in flat-pick guitar at the Tennessee State Championships for the second consecutive year and placing 2nd in Guitar at Merlefest 2010 & 2011.  Andrew keeps a busy schedule teaching guitar, mandolin, and banjo as well as recording for other artists.
Grant Rigney (age 15) He plays mandolin, fiddle, bass, guitar, and tenor guitar.  His accomplishments include 3-time National Championship Youth Instrumental Entertainer of the Year at the Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree and 2009 Alabama State Fiddle Champion for his age category. The title track on their second CD “Never Just Once” was written by Grant at the age of 12.  He also has numerous other awards across his instruments from many contests. Grant also sings harmony for the band and often works studio sessions recording for other artists.  Grant also teaches mandolin.

Stephanie Taylor and the Boxty Bluegrass Band, featuring Barry Waldrep
People always ask me what type of music I play. I find that question difficult to answer because I play it all, classical, bluegrass, Irish, country, rock. I’d rather tell people about the music I love because bluegrass music and bluegrass musicians are second to none. Just throw me into a bluegrass jam with the amazing Nashville pickers and I’m in heaven. But bluegrass, like me, is not all that easy to define because it is influenced by all genres of music.
The Boxty Bluegrass Band features some of the best songs and instrumentals from Ireland, about Ireland and inspired by Ireland. A world traveler, there is no place I feel more at home than Ireland. Some of my fondest travel memories include picking up a fiddle at Trad Sessions in Ireland and making music with the locals. With the help of my musical friends Troy Engle, John Fox and Barry Waldrep, we have created a musical experience that combines our bluegrass roots with Irish influences. Sing along, dance a jig and become part of our Trad Session, Bluegrass Underground style.
Growing up on a small farm in South Dakota, Stephanie began studying Suzuki violin and old-time fiddle at the age of three. Her skills as a violinist helped her earn a full scholarship to study music and the University of Nebraska followed by law school. Since moving to Nashville, Stephanie Taylor has played fiddle with numerous artists including Grammy nominated country artist Chris Young, country duo Joey + Rory, award winning singer/songwriter Billy Yates, rock legend Billy Falcon, bluegrass talent Dana Romanello and the unforgettable bluegrass picker, Barry Waldrep. Stephanie is a member of the South Dakota Old Time Fiddler’s Hall of Fame and an active member of the International Bluegrass Music Association. Stephanie spends her days helping her clients make a living making music as the head of the entertainment law group at Bone McAllester Norton in Nashville, TN.

Shannon Quinn

Shannon Quinn is the latest young musician making her mark on Canada through performance. At 21 years of age, Shannon Quinn is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, dancer and composer. Having been performing with her father Tony for 13 years, she has been featured among many successful recording artists, and in turn has become one herself. She was born and raised in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia, a place full of musical talent.

 In Halifax, Shannon performed a live radio program for CBC shows “Canada Live” and “Atlantic Airwaves”. As well as performing, she has become very inspired to write music for film, an interest that has sparked within the last few years. She first composed original music for the CBC documentary entitled “Unknown Child” – about a missing boy from the Titanic, and since then her original music has been showcased in films that have been viewed in film festivals from Halifax, to New York. Shannon has had the pleasure of performing with Cirque Du Soleil in Montreal, and the widely acclaimed Irish group The Chieftains in both Halifax, and Charlottetown. She was the youngest ever performer to be accepted into the Charlottetown Festival’s Young company, and also the youngest recipient of the Maud Whitmore Scholarship for Vocal studies.

In Toronto, recently she has performed alongside Jazz wizard Chris Potter, and performed with Terence Blanchard this March with the Humber College  “A” Band. Her most recent performance was in Nashville, TN for the Music City Roots show at the Loveless Barn, co-headlining with artists such as Alison Brown, and Maura O’Connell, and broadcast live on Legendary WSM 650 radio, home of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Her musical style is highly influenced by that of her ancestors, originating from County Clare, Ireland. Inspired by a wide variety of genres and musicians, Shannon is extremely passionate about creating music, and is currently in her final year of a music degree in performance, composition and production in Toronto, ON. Her debut album entitled “The Irwin Lake Sessions” was released in March ‘ 08, as well as the launch of her new music production/publishing company “Cowbell Music”.

The first thing that hits you when you see Christabel & the Jons is lead singer/songwriter Christa DeCicco’s velvety, effortless voice. Sultry, southern, and laid back, her delivery and stage presence often draws comparisons to Billie Holiday, Madeleine Peyroux, and Norah Jones. While the similarities are there, she’s also developed a sound that’s all her own, with earthy melodies that glide along with her 1950s Silvertone archtop guitar. Currently touring the country from coast to coast, she is quickly solidifying her reputation as one of the country’s finest up and coming folk/jazz singers. Multi-instrumentalist Seth Hopper adds colorful ambiance to the songs with his virtuoso assortment of violin, mandolin, trumpet, and accordion. The snappy rhythm section is led by Jon Whitlock on drums with Chris Zuhr on upright bass. The group mixes their original songs with thoughtfully arranged jazz standards, western swing, and classic country for a sound they call “Tennessee swing.”

They have released 4 albums, “Love and Circumstances” (2006), “Custom Made For You” (2008), “Live from the Walnut Room” (2009), and “The Christmas Album” (2010). Their fifth studio release, “The Same Mistake” will be recorded later this year. These new songs show the influence of 1950s-1960s exotica, bossa nova, and samba beats on the group’s country swing feel.

Past performances include: Bonnaroo, Riverbend, Floydfest, Bele Chere, Blue Plum Festival, McMenamins, Shakori Hills Festival, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, Bluegrass Underground, Music City Roots, Tennessee Shines, and Sundown in the City. They’ve also opened for many national acts including The Brazilian Girls, The Be Good Tanyas, The Red Stick Ramblers, The Wilders, and Loudon Wainwright.

LARRY SPARKS AND THE LONESOME RAMBLERS

LARRY SPARKS IS AN ORGINAL, A ONE OF A KIND MUSICIAN AND SINGER WHO REALLY, TRULY DOSEN\’T SOUND LIKE ANYONE ELSE. THATS RARE IN ANY STYLE OF MUSIC, BUT ESPECIALLY SO IN BLUEGRASS MUSIC. SOUNDING LIKE LARRY SPARKS IS WHAT HE ALWAYS WANTED. OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST 42 YEARS WITH HIS OWN BAND LARRY SPARKS HAS CARVED A UNIQUE NICHE FOR HIMSELF IN BLUEGRASS AN GOSPEL MUSIC. A NUMBER OF SONGS ASSOCIATED WITH HIM HAVE BECOME STANDARDS- INCLUDING JOHN DEERE TRACTOR\” \” A FACE IN THE CROWD\” \”I AM THE MAN THOMAS\” THESE OLE BLUES\” \” GREEN PASTURES IN THE SKY\” \”CARTERS BLUES \” \” TENNESSEE 1949 \” \” BLUE VIRGINIA BLUES \” I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU LORD \” AND THE LIST GOES ON. SPARKS IS UNIVERSALLY ADMIRED BY HIS PEERS IN BLUEGRASS AND THE COUNTRY MUSIC WORLD. WHILE SPARKS IS MOST DEFINITELY A STYLIST HIS HONEST APPROACH TO THE MUSIC IS MORE THAN A STYLE , ITS REAL WITH NO GIMMICKS ADDED. AFTER ALMOST 47 YEARS IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH 42 OF THEM WITH HIS OWN BAND LARRY SPARKS IS THE SAME PERSON ON STAGE AS HE IS OFF. POLITE, PLAIN-SPOKEN, RESPECTFUL BUT DIRECT, OLD FASHION, AND IN SOME REGARDS , SPARKS SEEMS LIKE HE COULD BE FROM AN EARLIER GENERATION. IBMA\’S \” MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR \” IN 2004 AND 2005 SPARKS IS STILL ON A ROLL. MAKING SOME OF THE BEST MUSIC OF HIS CAREER-MATURE, SEASONED AND DEEPLY EXPRESSIVE. THROUGH-OUT HIS LONG CAREER , SPARKS HAS STUCK TO WHAT WORKS, WHAT HE DOES BEST. SPARKS HAS DONE THINGS HIS OWN WAY, ON HIS OWN SCHEDULE. HE FOLLOWED HIS VISION AND HE\”S MADE A GREAT CONTRIBUTION TO AMERCIAN MUSIC. IN A WORLD GONE FAKE, LARRY SPARKS HAS KEPT IT REAL.

MILKDRIVE

MilkDrive, the Austin alt-folk-progressive acoustic string band, released its debut studio album in April 2011, ROAD FROM HOME, produced in Nashville with Bil VornDick (Alison Krauss, Bela Fleck, Bob Dylan, Ralph Stanley).

It actually got its start in the northern climes of Idaho, where principal songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Noah Jeffries grew up playing bluegrass and gospel in his family’s band and started writing amazing tunes at age 14. The first band he put together, 36 String Swing, toured the state as Jeffries studied jazz performance at Boise State University. He also played with Jason Boland and the Stragglers for seven years.

Jeffries moved to Austin and moved in with fiddling champion-mandolin player Dennis Ludiker, whom Jeffries had met long ago when both were kids competing in the National Old-time Fiddle Contest in Weiser, Idaho – as well as the young Brian Beken, who also would ultimately join the band.

Jeffries began recording his own tunes under the name The Noah Jeffries Project and then with Ludiker, the duo trading duties on guitar, mandolin, fiddle and bass on an underground demo called “BoLth on the Rampage.” Soon after, Beken, a multi-instrumentalist, too, who has toured with Bruce Robison, joined the band so it could perform live.

With the addition of bass player Matt Mefford, who was in South Austin Jug Band with Ludiker and Beken, the band was complete and became MilkDrive. A year later, in June 2009, it released a live CD, MILKDRIVE LIVE ’09, with arrangements described as “impeccable” and picking so fast it’s “unbelievable.”

Ludiker, who has toured with Asleep at the Wheel, won the 2009 RockyGrass Mandolin Contest and holds titles as the 2010 World Fiddle Champion, 2009 and 2008 Texas State-Fiddlers Frolics and 2002 Walnut Valley Music Festival Winner. Beken was 2004 Texas Flatpick Guitar Champion. Jeffries won a Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival Jazz Guitar Competition.

Awards are a great measure of technical prowess, but they reveal nothing about the musical soul so palpable in MilkDrive’s music, the quartet’s sound a textural, multi-layer mix of rhythms, tempos, flavors, harmonies, improvisation – and the confidence each possesses that comes from experience with an instrument (or instruments).

The band has toured in Idaho, Colorado, California, Washington, New Mexico, Montana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah and Louisiana and in 2010, performed at River City Roots Festival in Missoula, Mont.; Four Corners Folk Festival in Pagosa Springs, Colo.; and Walnut Valley Music Festival in Winfield, Kan.

Fingers flying at breathtaking speed, original tunes that feel familiar at first but go beyond extraordinary, songs with themes universal but unique, heart and brains behind dynamic performances: It’s an uncompromising musical journey the members of MilkDrive are on.

Ticket Prices
General Admission $20.00
Group Tickets $16.00
Show and Cave Tour $33.00
Event Schedule
Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Rangers with Milkdrive 1:00 PM

This is Dale Ann Bradley. She’s the 2007 & 2008 IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year and has been hailed by Alison Krauss and Ricky Skaggs as one of the greatest vocalists in country and bluegrass music. A former Coon Creek Girl and mainstay at Kentucky’s Renfro Valley Barn Dance, Bradley commands a list of awards as long as Highway 40, yet a few minutes with her tells you she is something even more than extraordinarily gifted – she’s extraordinarily human. A Primitive Baptist preacher’s daughter out of the hills of Kentucky where no musical instruments were allowed, Bradley grew up in a self-described “backwoods holler” down a rural road where electricity and running water weren’t available until she was in high school – something she has more in common with the first generation of bluegrass than her contemporaries in today’s scene.