2012 Cashiers Mountain Music Festival Bands

The band Sweet Tater has been a part of the first three Cashiers Mountain Music Festivals. But in the fall of 2011, band leader Benny Messer passed away. In tribute to the beloved Tuckasegee banjo player, the Boys of Tuckasegee, featuring some former members of Sweet Tater, will perform a set of music dedicated to Benny Messer. The Boys of Tuckasegee features Russell Messer, 44, on bass; Wyatt Messer, 15, on mandolin; Ethan Fortner, 18, on fiddle; Jesse Stevens, 19, on guitar; and Curtis Queen, 31, on banjo. Wyatt, Ethan and Jesse are all accomplished musicians and can play almost anything. Often, they switch out and play each other’s instruments. All five players were influenced by Benny Messer. Three of them probably would have never played without his help. Benny Messer will always live on in these boys and they have no doubt he sees everything they play and sing.

The Smoky Mountain Highlanders is a group founded by two young men who are superb musicians and vocalists in the traditional mountain music style of the Smoky Mountains. The group was formed in November of 2011. The founders are not new to the music scene, as both teens have traveled all over the southeast and afar taking their unique style of bluegrass/gospel/mountain music and sharing it with thousands of people. Jacob Jones and Will Howell are both local young men of Jackson and Swain counties, respectively. The members of the Smoky Mountain Highlanders vary at times, but still consist of local young men in their teens, all equal in their mastery in the art of “making music.” Members from time to time consist of Jesse Stephens, Cody Nations, Wyatt Messer, and Ethan Fortner. Jacob Jones and Will Howell both began at the early ages of 7 and 8-years-old. They both learned from local musicians who showed them licks on instruments which the two picked up fast and mastered. Jacob heard his music from listening to his "Granny" Ward sing to him at an early age. He soon spent hours at a time picking with local legend Mary Jane Queen and her musical children, picking up tips and pointers from them. Jacob’s inspirations for his music came from his Granny Ward, the Queen family, the Sweet Tater Band, and Raymond Fairchild. Will Howell learned his first guitar chords from an after school teacher at Swain County. His outstanding vocals one could say are found in his blood. Will’s great-grandfather sang in a gospel quartet in Swain County. His great uncle Jim also sang in a band. Regional star Randy Flack was also a great inspiration to Will. The Smoky Mountain Highlanders is a group that offers a clean, entertaining, family-friendly show of traditional bluegrass/mountain music and gospel straight from the Smoky Mountains. The group also throws in old rockabilly and country numbers which can occasionally be heard from time to time for the listeners who enjoy an array of different music. Just grab a chair, sit back and enjoy the sounds of Jacob Jones, Will Howell and the Smoky Mountain Highlanders.

The Wild Hog Band is based in Cashiers, N.C., and has been entertaining audiences throughout the southeast for over 20 years. The band traces its beginnings to the famed Esso Club in Clemson, S.C. A bluegrass band with a contemporary sound, they play and sing a variety of music, remembering traditional roots while exploring new horizons. In the past The Wild Hog Band has opened for musicians such as Tony and Wyatt Rice, Mark O'Connor, Norman Blake, John Hartford, and Doc Watson. Recent venues include playing at the Biltmore Estate, Brevard Music Center, Mountain Heritage Day at Western Carolina University, The Brooks Center at Clemson University, The Albino Skunk Bluegrass Festival, Asheville Brewgrass Festival, Cashiers Symphony Under The Stars, the Highlands Performing Arts Center and the boys have opened for the John Cowan Band at the Spider Farm Festival on several occasions. They play many private parties and weddings throughout the season. The Wild Hog Band has released three recordings, including their self-titled CD and Live At Lena's. Charles Wood, banjo player for the Wild Hog Band, has twice won the National Banjo Championship at Winfield, Kansas and also the 1998 Merlefest Banjo Championship, among many others. Charles performed with Steve Martin and Earl Scruggs on The Late Show With David Letterman. Charles has also been a guest on A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor. He has 4 CD's: Somewhere Over The Banjo; Noel; Tour de Banjo and Halo Over the Banjo. Band leader Benny Queen learned his craft in Mountain Rest, S.C., and lived and played in Montana for many years before returning to his native home. A multi-instrumentalist and singer, he has recorded in Missoula, Montana; Athens and Atlanta, Georgia; Nashville, Tennessee and Cullowhee, N.C. Founding member Kelly Smith is a veteran fiddler who also plays bass in the band. He adds impeccable timing and an old-time influence to the mix. Josh Carnes is equally adept on guitar and mandolin. His fine lead vocals and harmonies have enriched the band's sound.

The Him’s is a bluegrass/gospel band that originated right here in Cashiers. The group was part of the inaugural Cashiers Mountain Music Festival and we’re proud to have them back this summer for their third overall appearance. Band members include David Beam on guitar and vocals, Bill Coward on banjo, Eric Young on mandolin and vocals, Tommy Dillard on bass, and Todd Taylor on vocals. All live within a 20-mile radius of Cashiers except Beam, who was formerly a resident of Cashiers and now lives in Pineville, N.C. The band released a CD, "Just for Him," in 2009 and has opened festivals for Balsam Range, Ricky Skaggs, Del McCoury, Rhonda Vincent and Mountain Heart.

Original, and from the soul, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge has surfed the changing tides of traditional bluegrass, country, jam rock, roots reggae, and even the currently emerging indie-alt scene always honoring the pioneers that introduced bluegrass and mountain music into popular culture. Larry Keel is an award-winning Acoustic Americana flat-picking guitarist, well known for his entirely unique song-writing, gravelly voice and lightning fast licks. Joining the award-winning flatpickin’ legend to make up Natural Bridge are the vastly talented Mark Schimick on mandolin and vocals, Larry’s life-long picker pal (and fishing phenom) Will Lee on soulful, blues-grass style five-string banjo and penetrating lead vocals, and wife Jenny Keel with her impeccable timing and solid, yet imaginative bass lines as well as tenor vocal harmonies. Larry Keel is an ever-evolving musical force with fierce, high-spirited energy that also appeals to young rockers, jammers, alt country pickers and fans who are equally drawn to Keel’s deep rumbling voice, his earthy and imaginative song-writing, and his down-home-gritty-good-time charm.Guitar Player Magazine noted, "When bluegrass guitar greats Tony Rice, Norman Blake, and Beppe Gambeta sing your praises, you must be good." Larry Keel and Natural Bridge have also been writing a bunch of new material that is going to be released on a new album due out in early 2012. Throughout his career, Larry Keel has released 13 albums and is featured on 10 others including recording with Keller Williams, Curtis Burch, MaGraw Gap, and Acoustic Syndicate's Steve "Big" Daddy McMurry. Larry Keel's latest release with Natural Bridge was 2008's "Backwoods." One of Keel's instrumentals entitled "Sound Check" is featured in a fly-fishing film "Connect," directed by the renowned Confluence Films, which was released in the fall of 2011. For more information, visit http://larrykeel.com/.

At the 17-year mark, Blue Highway is indisputably one of the most esteemed and influential groups in contemporary bluegrass. The band's nine exceptional albums and compelling live performances give proof to the stellar reviews, Grammy nominations, and numerous awards earned by the band since it first took the stage on December 31, 1994, with the same musicians that comprise Blue Highway today. With a deep bench of virtuosic songwriters, vocalists and instrumentalists, Blue Highway's hallmark is an unwavering commitment to the ensemble, the "democracy of the band" that makes Blue Highway a powerhouse. Individually, Jason Burleson (banjo, guitar, mandolin), Rob Ickes (Dobro), Shawn Lane (mandolin, fiddle, vocals), Tim Stafford (guitar, vocals), and Wayne Taylor (bass, vocals) are masters of their respective roles. Together, in Stafford's words, they are “a democracy in the best sense of the word”: five gifted artists selflessly merging their talents into a seamlessly brilliant group sound. As a result, the band moves from strength to strength, more mature and impressive with each new album. Blue Highway has five gifted writers in its ranks. Rob and Jason turn out the heart-pounding instrumentals, while Shawn, Tim and Wayne give Blue Highway a depth of songwriting talent unprecedented in sixty years of bluegrass bands. With 10-highly-acclaimed albums to its credit, Blue Highway has garnered two Grammy nominations, a Dove Award, topped the Bluegrass Unlimited radio charts, and won numerous International Bluegrass Music Association awards. Refusing to coast on past glories, Blue Highway continues to push its music to new levels of accomplishment. Artfully balanced between tradition and innovation, it remains in the forefront of contemporary bluegrass music. For more information, visit http://bluehighwayband.com/.

Tony Rice (born June 8, 1951, Danville, Va.) is considered one of the most influential acoustic guitar players in bluegrass, progressive bluegrass, newgrass and acoustic jazz. Over the course of his career, he has played alongside J. D. Crowe and the New South, David Grisman, Jerry Garcia, led his own Tony Rice Unit, collaborated with Norman Blake, recorded with his brothers Wyatt, Ron and Larry and co-founded the Bluegrass Album Band. Tony and his brothers learned the fundamentals of bluegrass and country music from hot L.A. pickers like the Kentucky Colonels, led by Roland and Clarence White. Clarence White in particular became a huge influence on Tony Rice. In 1970, Rice began playing with the Bluegrass Alliance, and shortly thereafter, J.D. Crowe's New South. The New South was known as one of the best and most progressive bluegrass groups and when Ricky Skaggs joined up in 1974, the band recorded "J. D. Crowe & the New South," an acoustic album that became Rounder’s top-seller up to that time. Around this time, Rice met mandolinist David Grisman, who was working on some original material that blended jazz, bluegrass and classical styles. Rice left the New South and moved to California to join Grisman’s all-instrumental group. The David Grisman Quintet's 1977 debut recording is considered a landmark of acoustic string band music. In 1979, Rice left Grisman's group to pursue his own brand of music. He recorded "Acoustics," a jazz-inspired acoustic record, and then "Manzanita," often considered one of the best bluegrass albums ever made. In 1980, Rice, Crowe, Bobby Hicks, Doyle Lawson and Todd Phillips formed a highly successful coalition, attacking bluegrass standards under the name the Bluegrass Album Band. This group recorded six volumes of music from 1980 to 1996. Rice’s solo career hit its stride with "Cold on the Shoulder," a collection of bluegrass-inspired vocals. With this album, "Native American" and "Me & My Guitar," Rice arrived at a formula that incorporated bluegrass, the songwriting of folk artists, and nimble, jazz-inflected guitar work. Simultaneously, he pursued his jazz-infused, experimental "spacegrass" with the Tony Rice Unit on the albums "Mar West," "Still Inside," and "Backwaters." In 1980 he recorded an album of bluegrass duets with Ricky Skaggs, called "Skaggs & Rice." Two highly regarded albums with traditional instrumentalist and songwriter Norman Blake garnered a great deal of acclaim, as well as two Rice Brothers albums (1992 and 1994) that featured him teamed with his late elder brother, Larry and younger brothers, Wyatt and Ronnie. In 1993 he joined David Grisman and Jerry Garcia, to record “The Pizza Tapes.” One year later, Rice and Grisman recorded "Tone Poems," an original collection of material, where they used historical vintage mandolins and guitars, different for each track. In 1995, Rice recorded folk album featuring just two guitars with John Carlini. In 1997, Tony, his brother Larry, Chris Hillman (founder of Byrds) and banjoist Herb Pedersen, founded Rice, Rice, Hillman & Pedersen and produced three volumes of music between 1997 and 2001. Since the early 1990s, Rice's singing voice has silenced due to dysphonia, but he remains one of new acoustic music's top instrumentalists. He often collaborates with Peter Rowan and they have recorded two CDs. In 2007, Tony teamed up with Alison Krauss and Union Station for a string of spring concerts, drawing material from Rice's 35-year career. Krauss always has cited Rice as being her prime musical influence. Rice resides in Reidsville, N.C. The authorized biography of Tony Rice, titled "Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story," has been completed by Tim Stafford (a member of award-winning bluegrass ensemble Blue Highway) and Hawaii journalist Caroline Wright, and was published by in 2010. Rice’s awards include one Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance- The New South, Fireball- 1983; IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Awards for Instrumental Performer of the Year - Guitar - 1990, 1991, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2007; Instrumental Group of the Year - The Tony Rice Unit - 1991, 1995; Instrumental Group of the Year - The Bluegrass Album Band – 1990; and Instrumental Album of the Year - Bluegrass Instrumentals, Volume 6 (Rounder); The Bluegrass Album Band- 1997. The Tony Rice Unit performing at this year’s festival will include Tony Rice (guitar); brother Wyatt Rice (guitar); Josh Williams (vocals, mandolin); Rob Ickes (dobro); Rickie Simpkins (fiddle); and Bryn Davies (bass). For more information, visit http://www.tonyrice.com/.

No, there’s never been a train in nearby Glenville, N.C., but there is a smokin’ bluegrass band steamrolling into its first appearance at the festival. Glenville Train was formed by local musicians in 2009, and includes some of the area’s finest pickers. Cullowhee’s Eric Young (mandolin, guitar, vocals), Cashiers’ John Warren (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Glenville’s Bill Coward (banjo, vocals), and newcomer Ashley Stevens (fiddle) make up the core of the band. Glenville Train is usually accompanied by one of several accomplished bass players from the area. Expect hard-driving bluegrass and occasional gospel songs from this bunch.

The Rafe Hollister Band was born in 2005 in the mountains of nearby Maggie Valley, N.C. The members are Sam Brinkley (lead vocals/drums/harmonica), Jeff Mendenhall (fiddle), Brooks Butler (lead guitar/backing vocals), Mike Filippone- (bass/backing vocals), and Mark Moser (mandolin). Rafe Hollister has its own unique sound called "mountain rock," using traditional bluegrass instruments to create a fiery brand of roots rock music. Known for their high-octane live shows, the band has a seasoned and authentic sound. The guys have produced two albums. The latest entitled 'Stimulus Package' is an eclectic mix of original songs ranging from rock, bluegrass, folk, blues, and country. Rafe Hollister is known for some mighty fine original songs, yet they can nail some classic country and southern rock cover tunes from the past. For more information, visit http://www.rafehollister.com/.

For over 25 years The Whitewater Bluegrass Co. has captivated audiences throughout the Southeast with their blend of bluegrass music, country ballads, mountain swing and down-home humor. With Whitewater, mountain culture is a celebration of music, song and dance. Audience involvement is a priority for any Whitewater performance. With true Southern charm and manners Whitewater's MC, square-dance caller and bass man, "Uncle Ted" White, will put you right at ease. He can have you dancing and following calls in as little as 15 minutes. Combine this with some country wit and you have a show with a solid foundation. The driving rhythm of Bill Byerly's Martin guitar provides the backdrop against which the melody of sound is woven. Bill has been a veteran of the Asheville music scene for over 30 years. After discovering electricity, he became one of the leading players of Southern Rock, dance music and Top 40 coming out of Western North Carolina. He returned to acoustic music some 24 years ago, after he joined The Whitewater Bluegrass Co. These two founding members have brought together some of the finest musicians this area has to offer. With the addition of David Pendley on mandolin, the blend of the Whitewater sound has become riveting. Dave served for 10 years with "Ric-o-Chet," who recorded several albums for Rebel Records. His distinct chop, paired with impeccable timing, adds to the drive of Whitewater's accent. In addition, his great ear for harmony and lead singing make Dave a welcome addition to the Whitewater family. Steve Sutton, on banjo, has had a vast and varied career. He cut his musical teeth working for Raymond Fairchild in Maggie Valley and went directly from there to working with the King of Bluegrass, "Mr. Good & Country" Jimmy Martin. He has helped Rhonda Vincent create her sound with The Rage and most recently worked with Alecia Nugent. Steve is an International Bluegrass Music Award (IBMA) winner as well as a Grammy nominated artist. His machine-gun delivery with the banjo will leave you wanting more. Gary Mackey, on fiddle, is one of the most animated players in music. He has recorded for some of the top acts coming out of Nashville today including the Bellamy Brothers and Dolly Parton, as well as working for the Goose Creek Symphony. Learning fiddle tunes at an early age at the knee of Uncle Albert and Aunt Emma Hammond, Gary went on to become a two-time Georgia State fiddle champion. He is a true showman and a delight to witness as he performs. With their tight sound they have served as the host band for Folkmoot U.S.A., the Smokey Mountain Folk Festival, Kanuga Conference Centers and the Historic Horse Barn on the Biltmore Estate. They have also been featured entertainers for the North Carolina Bar Association, the Carter Family Fold, the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University and the Grove Park Inn. Whitewater Bluegrass Co. currently has two CD's out, "Still Havin' Fun" and "Pickin' in the Blue Ridge." They have also served as the staff band for the first in the DVD series Spirit of the Mountains, The Stories of Uncle Albert Burnett. For more information, visit http://www.whitewaterbluegrassco.com/.

The Darren Nicholson Band is an eclectic blend of blues, bluegrass, rockabilly and traditional country music. It’s "acousticana" at its best. They do a wide variety of music from original tunes to classic country, bluegrass and rock covers. Darren Nicholson, a native of nearby Tuckasegee, is a singer/mandolin player who is a multiple IBMA award winner, Grammy nominee, former member of the Alecia Nugent Band and current member of Sunday night festival headliner Balsam Range. He's performed for years at many notable venues, including regular performances on the Grand Ole Opry. Nicholson has shared the stage with Merle Haggard, John Corabi (Motley Crue), Joe Diffie, and Tony Rice, to name a few. Kevin Sluder is a one-of-a-kind tenor vocalist and bass player. His resume includes work with the legendary Curly Seckler, Kenny Baker, and Josh Graves. Sluder is a master entertainer with a bucket full of national awards for his work. Griff Martin is a hot young Asheville guitarist/singer/songwriter. Martin has worked with many of the top regional acts including the Virginia Daredevils. Richard Foulk is a master percussionist with national tours and long stints with the Sons of Ralph and the Honeycutters under his belt. Steve Sutton of nearby Haywood County is to the banjo what Eric Clapton is to guitar. Sutton is a three-time Grammy nominee and one of the most sought after banjo legends of the past four decades. He has worked for many artists, including Jimmy Martin, Rhonda Vincent, Alecia Nugent and Ronnie Milsap. Sutton performs regularly these days with the Crowe Brothers and the Whitewater Bluegrass Company. All in all, these are seasoned pros and fans can expect to hear the finest in country harmonies, hot pickin’, and fun songs. This is a must-see show. For more information, visit http://www.darrennicholson.net/.

The history of Jackson County is as vibrant and twisted as the Tuckaseigee River that runs through it. The CD "Songs of Jackson County," released in 2010 by some of the region’s most gifted musicians, covers that history with genres equally bouncing from bluegrass, to country, to rock, swing and jazz. The band consists of Buddy Melton (fiddle, guitar, vocals), Milan Miller (guitars, vocals, keyboards, mandolin), and Mark W. Winchester (vocals, bass). The CD is a 12-song journey chronicling some of the most revered stories in the county’s history, including one about how Cashiers got its name. Melton, who lives in Haywood County, but was born in Jackson County, is also a member of Sunday’s headlining act, Balsam Range. Miller grew up in Haywood County and is a Nashville-based musician who has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry numerous times and written several songs for Balsam Range and other nationally-known musicians. Winchester is from Monroe, N.C., and also lives in Nashville, Tenn., where he has won a Grammy award and performed with Emmylou Harris, the Brian Setzer Orchestra and written a top 40 hit for country music legend Randy Travis. The trio also produced a similar project, "Songs of Haywood County," in 2009 and fans can expect to hear songs from both regional projects. Expect several special guests from the two recordings to join the band on stage. Last year at the festival, the band’s blistering first-ever live performance of these songs drew a rousing standing ovation from the crowd.

This unique band from Cleveland County, N.C., started out pretty much as any other, playing at parties and bars. Acoustic Syndicate is Steve McMurry (acoustic guitars, mandolin, vocals); Bryon McMurry (banjos, electric guitar, vocals); Fitz McMurry (drums, vocals); Jay Sanders (acoustic upright bass, electric bass); and newcomer Billy Cardine (acoustic and electric dobros). In 1994 the band caught the attention of Steve Metcalf of the world famous Green Acres Music Hall, in Bostic, N.C. He featured them at "The Acres" on a couple of big bills like David Grisman and Bela Fleck. In 1997, with the help and connections of Steve Metcalf and the booking of Hugh Southard at Blue Mountain Artists, the band went on to tour the country extensively for the next eight years, completing six recording projects, two of them for Sugar Hill Records. With their distinct brand of folk rock, bluegrass, jam and reggae, coupled with their romper room, ultra high-energy, live performances they went on to be regulars at the biggest music festivals in the country, playing Bonnaroo, Farm Aid, High Sierra Music Festival, Telluride Music Festival, MerleFest, Magnolia Fest and many more. The band played most of the A list rooms in the country and continued to tour and record until 2005. The collapse of the record industry along with growing family needs at home forced the band to either commit to a long-term tour schedule, or stop playing. The band decided to call it quits at Smilefest in May of 2005. The decision to disband would not stand. After only a two-year break, the people called for the music to continue, and at the frequent and steadfast urging of Blue Mountain Artists, the Syndicate decided to play again. From the very beginning the band resolved to play honest, good music with emphasis on musicianship and vocal harmonies. Acoustic Syndicate is working on their seventh recording. Without a doubt, this will be one of the most memorable high-energy shows in the history of the Cashiers Mountain Music Festival. For more information, visit http://acousticsyndicate.com/.

Western N.C. bluegrass band Balsam Range was formed in 2007. The group produces its phenomenal sound thanks to the efforts of Darren Nicholson, (mandolin, vocals) from nearby Tuckasegee. Buddy Melton (lead vocals/fiddle/bass) is a WCU graduate and Haywood County resident, whose family roots are sewn in Jackson County. Banjo player Marc Pruett, a two-time Grammy award winner for his earlier work with bluegrass superstar Ricky Skaggs, is also a Haywood County resident, and a WCU graduate who was recently given an honorary doctorate degree by the Cullowhee-based university. Bass/dobro player, and vocalist Tim Surrett has previously worked with The Isaacs and the Kingsmen. He also attended WCU and lives in Haywood County. Guitar flatpicker and vocalist Caleb Smith is immensely talented and a Haywood County resident as well. Smith has recently garnered equal attention for making his own guitars. The band’s 2007 inaugural release, "Marching Home," reached No. 2 on the bluegrass charts with the song, "Train’s Ready." The CD featured guests including Tony Rice, Doyle Lawson, and Joe Diffie. In 2009, the band released its sophomore recording, "Last Train to Kitty Hawk." The title track went to No. 1 on the national Bluegrass Unlimited charts and the album went to No. 2. The song "Caney Fork River" was No. 1 on XM/Sirius Satellite Radio. The band’s latest CD, "Trains I Missed," was released in the fall of 2010 and within four months, it was at the top of the Sirius/XM Radio Bluegrass charts for both the album and the title track song. Amazingly, that particular week, seven of the top 10 songs belonged to Balsam Range. In late 2010, Balsam Range was nominated for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Emerging Artist of the Year award. Only two months after its release, "Trains I Missed," was voted the number one album on regional radio station WNCW 88.7’s "Top 100 Bluegrass Albums of 2010." In 2011, the band was nominated for three IBMA awards, (Emerging Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year) bringing home one of the industry’s top prizes for Song of the Year for "Trains I Missed." For the second hour of Balsam Range’s headlining two-hour set on Sunday, July 1, they will be joined by bluegrass legends Tony Rice and Bobby Hicks for what should be an unforgettable end to the fourth annual Cashiers Mountain Music Festival. For more information, visit http://www.balsamrange.com/.

Bobby Hicks (born July 21, 1933) is a 10-time Grammy Award winning bluegrass fiddler and a professional musician with more than 50 years of experience. Hicks was born in Newton, N.C., and learned to play the fiddle before he was 9-years-old. He attended several fiddlers conventions and at the age of 11, he won the "North Carolina State Championship" playing the tune "Black Mountain Rag". He joined the Jim Eanes band in the early 1950s. In 1953, through bluegrass festival organizer Carlton Haney, he was hired as a bass player in Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys. He did not record with the Bluegrass Boys until December 31, 1954. By then he had switched to fiddle. During this period, he learned to play "Nashville swing" by the session fiddler Dale Potter, a style Hicks often used when playing with Bill Monroe on the road. Monroe, "The Father of Bluegrass Music" dubbed Hicks, "the truest fiddler he had ever heard." He recorded seven tunes with Monroe but had to quit in 1956 to join the Army. In 1958, after his discharge, he rejoined the Bluegrass Boys, recording 10 more songs. He left in 1959 to join Porter Wagoner. Later in 1963, he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada and became a fixture on the Judy Lynn Show for the next seven years. In 1981, he joined Ricky Skaggs, a stint that would last for 23 years. In the mid and late 1980s, he frequently performed with Bill Monroe on stage and on records. He was inducted into the "Fiddlers Hall of Fame" in 2002. He appeared as a member of "Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys" in 2003. The next year, he performed with "Hazel Creek". In 2004, he celebrated 50 years at the Grand Old Opry. His discography includes over 50 CDs. He will rejoin former Ricky Skaggs band mate Marc Pruett and former Bluegrass Album Band partner Tony Rice for this special performance with Balsam Range.

"To me, his music was never built on anything but emotion. That’s what’s so addicting – the pictures and the feelings it brings to you. Everything is played so beautifully... Even though he’s so technically amazing, the reason you put those records on, at least for me, isn’t because of that. It’s emotional, and that’s why those records last. He just happens to be technically beautiful, at the same time, beyond anybody else."
- Alison Krauss about Tony Rice

Tony Rice spans the range of acoustic music, from straight-ahead bluegrass to jazz-influenced new acoustic music, to songwriter-oriented folk. He is perhaps the greatest innovator in acoustic flatpicked guitar since Clarence White. Tony Rice remains one of bluegrass’ top instrumentalists, bringing originality and vitality to everything he plays. For more about Rice, scroll above to his bio for his Saturday, June 30 performance with the Tony Rice Unit, or visit http://www.tonyrice.com/.