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Dr. Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys Ralph Stanley
"Although he needs no introduction, we'll go ahead and give him one anyway. Ralph was born in Dickenson County, Virginia, where he still resides when he's not on the road. After 55 years in the business, he's still the best banjo picker and tenor singer in bluegrass music. As a recording artist, he has performed on more than 170 albums, tapes, and CDs. He's also written many songs himself and with his brother, the late Carter Stanley.
Ralph's played throughout the United States and in many foreign lands, too, including several tours of Japan. In addition to the many honors Ralph has received as a bluegrass musician, including membership on the Grand Ole Opry, he is also a Shriner, a member of the Primitive Baptist Universalist Church, and active in his local community, having served on the Dickenson County School Board. Ralph is married to Jimmi Stanley, and they have two daughters, Lisa and Tonya, and, of course, one son, Ralph II.
The Clinch Mountain Boys currently live in scattered communities in the mountains of Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. They meet up in Coeburn, where their tour bus is parked and head out on the road. Their typical work week starts on Wednesday or Thursday and wraps up on Sunday, when they normally head in home for a couple days of well-deserved rest before starting out all over again."
[Bio courtesy: www.drralphstanley.com ]
The Tommy Webb Band, based in Eastern Kentucky, was formed in 2005 and is growing in popularity across the country everyday. The band consists of Tommy Webb singing lead and playing guitar. Tommy also hauls out the Clawhammer banjo for the audience from show to show. Chris Goble handles the banjo and sings harmonies in the band. Kenny O'Quinn does a great job on the mandolin and also sings harmonies. Kenny also plays lead guitar when Tommy is playing Clawhammer banjo. Danny Stiltner keeps the bands timing rock solid on the upright bass and also contributes to the harmonies in the band.
The Tommy Webb Band has been performing in the Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia for 2 years. Bringing a unique vocal style along with lots of original material to its audiences. [Bio courtesy: www.thetommywebbband.com]
Hazel Holler is an all-girl group from Eastern Kentucky, playing regional Appalachian music, almost-forgotten country songs, bluegrass and original songs. Formed in 2003, Hazel Holler has kept audiences dancing and grinning everywhere they go!
Karen Yates handles the lead vocals and rhythm guitar. Her strong family background of Appalachian history shows out in her rich mountainy voice. Karen was raised on Led Zeppelin and Sons of the Pioneers, resulting in her eclectic selection of material. She lives with her dogs and horses in Greenup, KY.
Shirley Seim saws the fiddle and sings harmonies and a few leads. Raised in Seattle, she first heard a bluegrass band at age 19, and in 2002 she migrated from that bluegrass mecca to Kentucky to play music! She lives with her dog in Ashland, KY at present.
Michelle Wallace plays bass and also sings. She is a recent graduate of Morehead State University and works in healthcare, besides holding down our bottom end! She lives on a farm in Sandy Hook, KY.
Jackie Thacker grew up playing music, along with her brother Ben. She's an elementary school teacher, and has two teenagers of her own. She lives in Fleming County and plays a banjo her father put together for her. [Bio courtesy: www.hazelholler.com ]
Heather Berry's love for music began at an early age. As a child she became attached to the sounds of the A.P, Maybelle and Sarah, the Carter Family. Her roots in traditional music from her home state also extended from the Stanley Brothers and the duo of Don Reno and Red Smiley. The guitar, autoharp and her angelic voice are her instruments.
At 12 years old she started to perform with groups such as the Lewis Family, Charlie Waller & the Country Gentlemen, and the Easter Brothers. Over time she recorded several projects including a tribute to Waller. Recently relocated to North Carolina, Heather is a Blue Circle Recording Artist. The sky is the limit with this young lady's talent. [Bio courtesy: www.heatherberrymusic.com ]
